Mynie Steffens, 43, was killed when the helicopter she was travelling in struck power lines and crashed to the ground. The popular TV chef was known for her fearless approach to cooking
18:40, 11 Nov 2025
Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of Mynie Steffens(Image: instagram)
Heartfelt tributes have flooded in after the devastating death of a beloved television chef and presenter, who perished in a helicopter crash.
Mynie Steffens, a 43-year-old culinary icon and cookbook author, was airborne on Monday morning when her aircraft collided with power lines before plummeting to the earth. together.”
Steffens, who had been undertaking agricultural work at the time, tragically lost her life alongside the pilot at the crash site.
Farm owner Ruan Scheepers, whose employees witnessed the horrific incident, called it “a frightening ordeal” and confirmed that emergency services were summoned straight away.
Authorities have now initiated a probe into what caused the helicopter to strike the power lines, with officials stating that the Civil Aviation Authority’s accident unit is spearheading the investigation, reports the Express.
Police confirmed it was premature to reveal additional information but offered their sympathies to both victims’ families.
Steffens had become a familiar face across her homeland through her smash-hit TV programme Speel met Vuur – which translates as Play with Fire – combining her passion for cuisine, adventure and narrative.
The aircraft hurtled into powerlines(Image: NewsX/NF)
Renowned for her bold attitude towards both gastronomy and existence, she possessed a helicopter pilot’s licence and had lately been juggling her aviation career with television projects.
Her co-presenter and close pal Aldi van der Walt revealed she was battling to process the “massive shock” and “tragic loss”. “She lived life to the fullest,” Aldi remarked.
“She was constantly brimming with concepts that had blossomed into triumphant ventures, then delivering them with remarkable success, charming everyone she encountered.”
The duo initially crossed paths as teenagers on the hockey pitch before reconnecting years later to launch their beloved culinary programme.
Aldi reminisced: “I remember on our road trip during filming, what made an impression was that she wouldn’t let schedule and time infringe too much when she deemed it important to show compassion and make someone feel valued.
The star will be sorely missed(Image: NX)
“She had patience and kindness coupled with humour, and that made her irresistible to people. I will miss my friend. Her absence will be felt by many.”
Her publisher disclosed that Steffens’ culinary passion ignited at just ten years old, when she began experimenting with open-flame recipes that would eventually become her signature approach.
Her celebrated cookbook, Mynie Plays with Fire, combined recipes with music playlists and themed menus to encapsulate the essence of her vibrant dinner gatherings.
Admirers have inundated social media with tributes celebrating her spirited nature. One heartfelt message declared: “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the very end.”
Another proclaimed: “We are lost for words, Mynie. You were one of a kind.”
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