Renowned TV host and esteemed chef Mynie Steffens has passed away at the age of 43 following a helicopter accident in South Africa.
Numerous local media sources, such as the George Herald and the Cape Argus, have confirmed the identity of the 43-year-old after her helicopter crashed on a citrus farm near Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday, November 10.
Steffens, well-known as a helicopter pilot and author, was engaged in pesticide spraying operations on the farm’s oranges when the helicopter tragically went down shortly before 8 am local time.
According to the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID), the aircraft hit power lines, which led to the fatal crash.
The AIID shared with the George Herald: “Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed. The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.”
The Exec Ops Facebook page shared an update on this tragic incident, stating: “This morning, a tragic accident occurred when a helicopter went down on a farm near Patensie. Our Exec Ops ARO’s responded swiftly to the scene alongside Relay EMS and other emergency services.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and ongoing investigations, no further details can be shared at this stage. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The social media post included images of the accident site, revealing the helicopter lying on a grassy area of the farm with visible damage to its exterior.
Steffens gained fame as a co-host of the cooking show Speel met Vuur and was also known for authoring a cookbook bearing the same title.
She hosted the VIA channel program alongside her high school friend, Aldi van der Walt, who was among the many to express their condolences recently.
Van der Walt told IOL about her friend: “She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavours, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along. She could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority.”
VIA TV also released a statement on Facebook: “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With #PlayWithFire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly.”
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