A 20-year-old American student, Brook Cheuvront, was found dead after going missing during a hike on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student was last heard from on Saturday, with her body recovered on Sunday. Officials report that a tracking app she was using stopped updating, prompting friends to raise the alarm.
Cheuvront, a Morehead-Cain scholar, was interning at the University of Cape Town. Her father, Steve Cheuvront, shared the tragic news on Facebook, writing, “She was recovered, we are devastated.” The cause of her death remains unclear, and South African authorities are conducting an investigation.
Rangers, rescue teams, and an aircraft were deployed to search for Cheuvront after she was reported missing. Authorities have warned hikers to avoid trekking alone and advised hiking in groups of at least four for safety. SANParks, which manages Table Mountain, is leading the ongoing investigation into her death.
This tragic incident has brought attention to the safety risks of hiking, especially in remote areas. Authorities continue to urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines while hiking.