CAPE TOWN, South Africa—A Houston teen fell to his death while hiking down Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s main tourist attractions, South African police said Sunday.
Police said 14-year old Michael Branisa -- a Memorial High School student, and his parents and a sibling took the cable car to the top of the 3,563-foot landmark Saturday.
While walking down a known route, the teen slipped and fell about 30 feet. He died on the mountain.
"We have been in touch with the family throughout," U.S. Consulate spokesman Nathan Holt said. "We provided assistance. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. We thank South African authorities for all their assistance."
Ranger Trevor Solomons said the teen apparently was leaning to look at a waterfall when he lost his balance.
Police, in an e-mail Monday to The Associated Press, said the family was vacationing in South Africa and had planned to attend some World Cup matches.
Neighbors and friends on Sunday tied yellow ribbons outside Michael’s home. Some people left messages for the family, who is still en route back to Houston.
Michael was an avid soccer player and would have turned 15 on Tuesday.
