A South African family is mourning the loss of 71-year-old Ernst Marais and his 73-year-old wife, Dina Marais, after the couple was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ following a trip to a national park.

According to reports, Ernst and Dina had traveled to the park to celebrate Dina’s birthday. The couple, described by relatives as experienced travelers and nature lovers, were last known to be in the northern section of the park before they lost contact with family.

One detail has drawn particular attention: Ernst reportedly sent a message to his daughter just hours before the tragedy unfolded. At the time, the message appeared ordinary, but it has since become one of the most emotional parts of the case for those following the story.

When the couple failed to return as expected, a search operation was launched. Authorities, park officials, and search teams worked to locate them across the remote area.

Their bodies were later discovered near the park’s northern region. Police have opened a murder investigation and are also looking into reports that the couple’s vehicle was missing after the incident.

The case has shocked communities in South Africa and drawn attention online, where many readers have expressed sympathy for the Marais family.

Authorities have not released the full details of what happened during the couple’s final hours. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the disappearance of their vehicle.

For the family, Ernst’s final message now carries a painful meaning — a routine communication that became one of the last known connections between a father and his daughter.

The investigation remains ongoing.