Civil engineer Maria Eftimova, 28, was climbing in Snowdonia when tragedy struck – and she was the second professional woman killed in a climbing accident in a week
An adventurous young woman died when she fell 60ft down a notorious mountain peak while climbing with friends.
Civil engineer Maria Eftimova, 28, was climbing in Snowdonia when tragedy struck – and she was the second professional woman killed in a climbing accident in a week.
Thrill-seeking Maria – who had more than 10,000 followers on social media – was an experienced mountaineer and had recently completed an ice-climbing course in Norway.
But she tragically fell while scaling the 3011ft (918m) mountain’s notorious Tryfan north ridge – a popular but dangerous scrambling route.
Maria lived in Manchester where she worked for a civil engineering firm but well-wishers are now raising money to repatriate her body to her family in her native Bulgaria.
Friend Victoria Critchley, who set up the page, said: “Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished 28 year old, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her.
“She had a passion for engineering, having studied Civil Engineering at the University of Salford and a love for extreme sports. Her biggest passion being Snowboarding, which she was super excited for and looking forward to doing again on her upcoming trip to Austria.
“She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world’s beauty. Tragically, she was taken from her family far, far, far too soon!”
Victoria said the fundraiser who help Maria’s devastated family.
She said: “Adding to their immense grief, the family, who reside in Bulgaria, face a significant financial burden to repatriate Maria and give her the dignified farewell with her loved ones that she deserves.”
Friend Jem Elder wrote: “We will miss you everyday, forever Maria Eftimova. Your beautiful, uplifting spirt will always live on, you really were the very definition of loving life and living a happy, fulfilled life, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. See you on the last climb.”
The tragedy on February 22nd came just six days after Dr Charlotte Crook, 30, also died while climbing in the same region.
An inquest heard Dr Crook plunged 30ft to her death while walking on Glyder Fach with a fellow medic.
Both women were attended to by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.
Speaking of Maria’s accident, the team said: “A group was ascending the north-ridge when one of them fell 20 metres into steep terrain.
“Passers-by with climbing equipment abseiled down and made her safe, and a team member already nearby made his way down and started CPR.
“Colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service stood by at base while the Coastguard helicopter dropped team members onto the mountain. Unfortunately, the casualty had not survived her injuries, and she was brought down to Oggie base.
“The thoughts of all involved are with the casualties families and friends, thank you to all the members of the public who tried to help.”
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