Popular TV chef, 43, dies after being involved in helicopter crash

Television host and popular chef Mynie Steffens has died aged 43 after being involved in a helicopter crash in South Africa.

Steffens was identified by many local outlets including the George Herald and the Cape Argus after a helicopter she was flying crashed at a citrus farm just outside of the town of Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday (November 10).

Tributes have poured in for the presenter, who helmed cooking show Speel met Vuur (Afrikaans for 'playing with fire'). Her co-host described her as someone who 'lived life to the full' and 'had a big heart'.

Steffens, a helicopter pilot and author, was using pesticides to spray oranges at the farm shortly before 8am local time when the helicopter came crashing down.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said an inquest was underway.

Mynie Steffens tragically died earlier this week (Instagram/Myrnie Steffens)

The scene of the helicopter crash (Facebook/Exec Ops)

The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) said the aircraft hit power lines before the deadly crash.

In a statement provided to the George Herald, AIID said: "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."

Meanwhile, the Exec Ops Facebook page provided an update on the devastating situation, saying: "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 detailed pictures of the crash site, which saw the helicopter in a patch of grass in the farm and pieces of the exterior clearly missing.

Steffens was arguably best known for co-presenting the cooking show Speel met Vuur, while she also penned a cookbook of the same name.

Steffens was spraying pesticides when she crashed (Facebook/Exec Ops)

The celebrity chef presented on TV (Instagram/Myrnie Steffens)

She presented the VIA channel programme with high school friend, Aldi van der Walt, who was one of many to pay their respects in recent hours.

Speaking to IOL, van der Walt said her friend 'live life to the full' and the crash was 'a massive shock'.

She continued: "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 issued a statement, penning 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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