Maria Eftimova, a 28-year-old travel influencer and civil engineering student at the University of Salford, tragically lost her life on February 22 after falling 65 feet while climbing Tryfan mountain in Snowdonia, Wales.
Eftimova was ascending the challenging peak with her friend Anna and Anna’s father when she lost her footing. Despite CPR attempts from a nearby team member, she could not be saved, BBC News reported.
Following her passing, loved ones paid tribute to her adventurous spirit and kind heart.
“Maria was a one-of-a-kind person who lived life to the fullest, adventurous, free-spirited, incredibly kind, intelligent, and selfless,” her friend Megan Griffiths shared. “Her tragic loss will be felt by so many.”
Victoria Critchley, another friend, described her as an “ambitious, bright, and cherished” soul who had a deep passion for engineering and extreme sports, particularly snowboarding.
A fundraising campaign launched in her memory has raised over £19,000 ($24,000) to help her family in Bulgaria bring her home for a proper farewell.
Standing at 3,010 feet, Tryfan is known as one of the UK’s most dangerous mountains, with no designated footpaths and a history of fatal accidents.
Eftimova’s passing marks the second fatal incident in Eryri National Park within just 10 days. Officials urge climbers to be well-prepared and check weather conditions before attempting the treacherous ascent.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
