An American exchange student’s body was found on Devil’s Peak on Sunday afternoon, after she went hiking on Saturday, but failed to return.
The 20-year-old Brook Cheuvront left her accomodation on Saturday around 12h00 with the intention to hike up Devil’s Peak via the Rhodes Memorial hiking trail.
She was reported missing later that day, when communication between her and her family stopped. Her friends also did not hear from her since she left, and the tracking app never updated after she left her residence.
SANParks Management says the Table Mountain National Park Operations room was notified by Metro Emergency that a missing hiker was reported missing on Table Mountain.
An initial search was conducted by SANParks rangers, Wilderness Search and Rescue members, and trail runners until late that evening when it was no longer practical to continue. Unfortunately, she could not be located at the time.
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 deployed to assist with the search,
resulting in the location of Cheuvront’s body on the slopes of the mountain around 14:30 in the afternoon.
Police are investigating, but it appears she fell to her death.
SANParks has extended its condolences to Cheuvront’s family during this difficult
time, and also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and staff involved in this
operation.
Table Mountain National Park Management also reminded 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
