Tragedy struck the University of North Carolina (UNC) community as news emerged of the untimely death of Brook Cheuvront, a promising sophomore who was on educational-hiking trip to South Africa. Her body was discovered on Sunday, September 22, 2024, on the slopes of the notorious Devil's Peak, part of the Table Mountain National Park located near Cape Town.
Cheuvront, who was reported missing at noon the previous day after her tracking app ceased to function, had embarked on the hike alone. Friends of the 20-year-old soon became alarmed when they could not establish contact with her following her departure. Immediate concerns rippled through the university and her family as efforts to locate her began.
Initial rescue operations initiated by South African National Parks (SANParks) included park rangers and local Wilderness Search and Rescue teams who scoured the mountain throughout Saturday. Their efforts yielded no results, prompting the deployment of air support the following morning. It was then, around 2 PM local time, when authorities discovered Cheuvront's body.
While officials have not yet confirmed the cause of her death, reports suggest it remains under investigation as local authorities have opened an inquest docket. The family, reeling from the shocking announcement, took to social media to express their devastation. Brook's father, Steve Cheuvront, shared the following on Facebook: "Please take down all posts looking for Brook. She was recovered. We are devastated. God help me and us."
Avery County High School, where Cheuvront had graduated as valedictorian just two years earlier, provided counseling support for students grappling with this heartbreaking loss. The school community canceled its athletic events and encouraged students and staff to wear blue as a sign of solidarity with Brook’s family.
Brook Cheuvront was not just any student; she was a recipient of the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship, which allows UNC students to receive financial support for undergraduate studies as well as internships, international study, and independent research opportunities. She had been recognized as the class of 2026's bright light, known for her kindness, intelligence, and leadership.
During her time at UNC, she was actively involved at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, where she was well-regarded by her peers and faculty alike. Todd Boyette, the center's director, expressed his heartbreak upon hearing of Brook's passing, saying, "Just tragic. Tragic. She was excited about the opportunities and the possibilities, and we had no idea, well none of us did, when we wouldn't see her again." Through her work with the planetarium, she aspired to nurture her interest in science and leadership.
Brook had just begun working with Justice Desk Africa, focusing on issues related to gender-based violence and toxic masculinity. Her mission was to empower marginalized youth, aiming to instill values of activism and community engagement. Friends mentioned how she had expressed great anticipation prior to her trip, characterized by her adventurous spirit and desire to make positive changes. "She was brilliant and sweet," one family friend remarked on social media.
Notably, Brook’s adventurous spirit was one of the qualities remembered fondly by her peers. Over the past month, she had shared snippets of her experiences on social media, showcasing various hikes, local cuisine, and cultural events. She enthusiastically participated in several activities, making the most of her time away from home. It's particularly heartbreaking, then, to reflect on how she had looked forward to sharing her adventures with the community upon her return.
The situation surrounding her death prompted SANParks to address safety concerns surrounding hiking trails, especially on Table Mountain. The organization emphasized the importance of exercising caution when venturing out. Safety tips were released advocating for hikers to explore trails with groups of four or more, opt for well-researched routes, remain vigilant about weather patterns, and inform someone about expected return times.
Despite the safety measures suggested by park authorities, accidents can transpire quickly, particularly under adverse weather conditions. Table Mountain's environmental diversity—often marked by sudden shifts from sunshine to clouds—can present challenges even for seasoned hikers. Reports indicated windy conditions at the time of Brook's hike, adding urgency to discussions about thorough preparedness for visitors.
While the investigations continue, thoughts of Brook’s memory linger heavily. There is not only the grief from losing someone so promising but also the collective questioning surrounding outdoor safety and urban infrastructure for student travelers. Cheuvront's family and friends hope to speak more about her legacy as they navigate this period of sorrow. Their strength will lie not just in remembering her brightly shining life, but also potentially reforming future safety measures to prevent such tragic occurrences.
Officials are expected to provide more details as the investigations evolve, focusing on the cause of death preliminary assessments, alongside the autopsy. Meanwhile, the UNC community is urged to keep Brook’s family and friends close to their hearts, ensuring her light continues to shine brightly through shared memories of kindness and determination for change.
