St Stithians is mourning the death of another past pupil, David Burton Burgess. The former Old Boy returned to his alma mater to coach sports.

Earlier this month, the Johannesburg private school announced the passing of two of its own, Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and alumnus, Ethan Coetzee.

The teen couple are believed to have died in a murder-suicide at a game lodge in Mpumalanga. The investigation continues.

ST STITHIANS COLLEGE MOURNS ANOTHER STUDENT

In a Facebook post, the Old Stithians Association announced the passing of alumnus David Burton Burgess. 

David attended St Stithians from Grade R through to Grade 7,  having completed his high school elsewhere.  He recently returned to St Stithians as part of the Boys’ Prep coaching team, where he  “made a lasting impression on the young students he worked with”.

The post shared: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of David’s unexpected passing from heart failure at just 28 years old. A life far too short, and a loss that will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

“The St Stithians and Old Stithian community hold the Burgess family close in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time”.

‘JOYFUL, DETERMINED YOUNG MAN’

Just a few weeks ago, the Old Stithians Association shared a tribute to Ethan Coetzee, who matriculated in 2025.

The 19-year-old, alongside 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, were found deceased in a game lodge in Mpumalanga.

According to preliminary post-mortem findings, as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist, Cameron allegedly died from strangulation/suffocation. 

Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide. A new report suggests that Ethan was a “jealous” and “controlling” partner to Cameron.

Police have subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death.

Old Stithians Association sympathised with Ethan’s family, friends, and class of 2025, praising him as a “joyful, determined young man”.

The post shared: “We hold them closely in our prayers and stand alongside them, and one another, as we mourn the loss of Ethan”

Thealumi organisation stated that it had been forced to turn off the influx of comments on the post.