South African authorities confirmed Monday that an American woman who went missing while hiking on Table Mountain in Cape Town has been found dead.
The hiker, identified as 20-year-old Brook Cheuvront from North Carolina, was reported missing on Saturday after a tracking app she was using stopped updating and friends were unable to reach her, according to SANParks spokesman JP Louw.
SANParks, the organization responsible for managing Table Mountain and other national parks in South Africa, stated that the cause of death remains unclear. An inquest into Cheuvront’s death has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Louw detailed the search efforts, explaining that an initial search was conducted by rangers, wilderness search and rescue team members, and trail runners until late Saturday evening when conditions became too dangerous to continue. The search resumed the following day with the aid of an aircraft, which ultimately helped locate Cheuvront’s body.
The tragic incident has prompted South African authorities to reiterate safety warnings for hikers. Officials are urging people to avoid hiking alone and recommending that hiking be done in groups of at least four people to ensure safety in the rugged terrain of Table Mountain.
Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views and challenging hiking trails. However, its steep cliffs and rapidly changing weather conditions can pose significant risks to hikers, especially those unfamiliar with the area.
