Touching tribute paid to Manchester woman who died after horrifying fall on Snowdonia mountain
A touching tribute has been shared after a woman from Manchester died in a 65ft fall on a mountain in Snowdonia.
Maria Eftimova, a former University of Salford student, died from her injuries after falling into steep terrain during a group hike.
Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue ‘did everything within their powers’ to save the 28-year-old after the tragic incident, but she sadly died.
A fundraising appeal has now been launched by her loved ones to cover the ‘significant financial burden’ of having Maria repatriated to her family in Bulgaria.
In the fundraiser, organiser Victoria Critchley paid a touching tribute to Maria, describing her as ‘ambitious, bright and cherished’.
It reads: “We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your support for the family of Maria Eftimova. Our dear friend tragically lost her life in an accident whilst scrambling Tryfan on Saturday 22nd of February 2025.
“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!
“Words cannot express the devastation her family and our community are experiencing.
“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. The costs associated with international repatriation are substantial, and we want to alleviate the added burden/stress so they can focus on mourning their precious daughter.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a tangible difference in enabling the family to grieve without this added worry. Please join us in offering them comfort and support during this incredibly difficult time.
“By sharing human kindness through even the tiniest donation, we can demonstrate that they are not walking this path alone. Any and all donations made will go to Maria’s family.
“Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue attended and did everything within their powers to save Maria. We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude for their efforts and will create a separate fundraiser.
“Thank you for your kindness and generosity. With love from Maria’s friends and Family.”
Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue 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 @welshambulanceservice stood by at base while the @maritimecoastguard helicopter dropped team members onto the mountain.
“Unfortunately, the casualty had not survived her injuries, and she was brought down to Oggie base.”
You can donate to the fundraiser HERE.
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Featured image: GoFundMe