Cape Town – South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that a missing hiker, who was presumed to be lost on Table Mountain, has been found dead.
SA Police Service Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said her body was found on Sunday at Devils Peak and was retrieved by an EMS helicopter.
The missing hiker, identified on social media as 20-year-old Brook Cheuvront, was reported missing on Saturday, (21 September 2024).
She left her accommodation around midday to go up the mountain and was expected to be home around 6 pm.
Her friends raised the alarm when they did not hear from her. They also noticed that the tracking app never updated since she left her residence.
SANParks said the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Operations room was notified by Metro Emergency that a missing hiker was reported on Table Mountain.
SANParks rangers and Wilderness Search and Rescue members conducted the initial search.
The search for the UNC student continued until late Saturday evening.
“Unfortunately, she could not be located at the time,” SANParks said.
“The following morning the search was resumed and conducted on foot. All agencies were once again dispatched but the search still proved unsuccessful.
“The City of Cape Town’s piloted aircraft was then also deployed to assist with the search resulting in the location of the missing hiker’s body on the slopes of the mountain.”
SANParks said the circumstances around the hiker’s death are still being investigated and further details about this incident will be provided as and when necessary.
SANParks said it extended its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.
“We also express our sincere gratitude to our stakeholders and staff involved in this operation.”
Table Mountain National Park Management reminds visitors to take note of the following safety tips:
• Do activities in groups. We recommend four or more.
• Choose your route carefully and stick to it.
• Allow yourself enough time – start early.
• Inform someone of your route and what time you are expected back.
• Always wear waterproof clothing, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots.
• Save the Table Mountain National Park emergency number into your phone before setting off.
• Table Mountain National Park Emergency Number is 086 110 6417. Wilderness Search and Rescue Number 021 937 0300 or dial 112.
