A tragic incident occurred in Snowdonia as a bright and ambitious 28-year-old woman, Maria Eftimova, lost her life after falling 20 metres while hiking at Tryfan on Saturday. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Maria could not be saved. Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Maria, describing her as vibrant, driven, and adored. In response to the tragedy, a JustGiving fundraiser has been set up to raise funds to repatriate Maria back to her family in Bulgaria, with an astonishing £15,000 already collected.
The JustGiving fundraiser, organised by Victoria Critchley, highlighted Maria’s passion for engineering and extreme sports, especially snowboarding. The fundraiser expressed the community’s devastation over Maria’s untimely passing and the financial burden faced by her family in Bulgaria for international repatriation. The fundraiser aims to alleviate this burden, allowing the family to focus on grieving for their precious daughter without added stress.
Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) responded to the incident at Tryfan, where Maria fell into steep terrain. Despite their efforts, Maria could not be saved, and the rescue team expressed their gratitude for the support received. This tragic event marks the second fatal incident in Eryri within a short period, with OVMRO previously responding to a similar accident on Glyder Fach. The team extended their thoughts to the families and friends of the victims in both incidents.
The outpouring of support and generosity from the community has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in to help Maria’s family during this difficult time. The JustGiving fundraiser highlighted the immense grief experienced by Maria’s family and community, emphasising the need for support and comfort. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in enabling the family to navigate through their mourning process without additional financial worries.
The tragic loss of Maria has deeply impacted those who knew her, with friends and family coming together to honour her memory and provide assistance to her loved ones. The fundraising efforts not only aim to support the family financially but also to show solidarity and compassion during this challenging period. The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation’s tireless efforts in responding to mountain incidents have been acknowledged, with gratitude expressed for their dedicated service.
The WalesOnline community has shown solidarity and unity in the face of tragedy, coming together to support Maria’s family and remember her vibrant spirit. The stories of Maria’s passion for life and adventure serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. As the community mourns the loss of a bright young soul, they stand together in solidarity and kindness, offering comfort and support to those in need during this heartbreaking time.