Popular TV chef killed at 43 after helicopter crashes into power lines

Popular TV chef and cookbook author Mynie Steffens has died in a helicopter crash in South Africa, according to multiple reports.

The 43-year-old reportedly crashed on Nov. 10 at a citrus farm.

SABC News reported that Steffens was spraying oranges with pesticides when she hit some power lines and went down at around 8 a.m.

“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 Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division said in a statement to the George Herald. “The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.”

People Magazine reported that the South African Police Service is investigating the incident.

The outlet said Steffens was best known for her role on the cooking show “Speel met Vuur” which she co-hosted with her high school friend, Aldi Van der Walt. She also wrote a cookbook by the same name.

VIA TV which carried the show posted about her death on Facebook.

“Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens,” the Network’s post read. “You were adventurous until the end. With #PlayWithFire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly.”

Van der Walt also spoke out about her death.

“She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavors, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along,” Van der Walt told IOL following her death. “She could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority.

“She had patience and kindness coupled with humor, and that made her irresistible to people,” Van der Walt added. “I will miss my friend. Her absence will be felt by many.”