A social media influencer with a passion for adventure and more than 10,000 followers has died after falling 65ft while climbing a mountain in Snowdonia, an inquest has heard.
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Maria Eftimova, 28, a civil engineer from St Helens and originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, was tackling the challenging north ridge of Tryfan in North Wales when the accident occurred on 22 February. Despite being described as an experienced climber, she lost her grip while trying to find a handhold and went into what was described as “freefall”.
The inquest at Caernarfon heard harrowing accounts from fellow climbers who witnessed the tragic incident. Harry Jones, who was just six feet below her on the mountain face, said:
“I saw her swing her right leg up and asked, ‘Got it well?’ She replied, ‘I think so’. Moments later, she flew past me.”
Neil Oakes, climbing a nearby route, described watching Maria tumble through the air:
“I turned away because I knew what was coming. When I looked back, she was on the ledge. I knew it was serious.”
Paramedics attended the scene, but Maria had suffered fatal head injuries, including a fractured skull, and was pronounced dead.
Coroner Kate Robertson recorded a verdict of accidental death, offering her condolences to the family.
“It seems Maria was scrambling with others when she unintentionally and unexpectedly fell. During the course of that fall, she sustained injuries which sadly led to her death.”
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Maria’s death came just six days after another professional woman, 30-year-old Dr Charlotte Crook, lost her life while climbing nearby Glyder Fach. Both incidents were attended by the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.
Mountain rescue teams described how bystanders with climbing gear abseiled down to reach Maria and began CPR, while Coastguard and ambulance crews stood by.
“Unfortunately, the casualty had not survived her injuries,” the team said.
“She was brought down to base. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Maria, who had recently completed an ice-climbing course in Norway, was known for showcasing her love for the outdoors and extreme sports on social media. A graduate of Civil Engineering from the University of Salford, she was particularly passionate about snowboarding and had been looking forward to an upcoming trip to Austria.
Friend Victoria Critchley, who launched a fundraiser to assist with repatriation costs, described Maria as
“An ambitious, bright and cherished 28-year-old, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her.”
She added:
“Maria’s family, who live in Bulgaria, now face a significant financial burden to bring her home and give her the dignified farewell she deserves.”
Another friend, Jem Elder, paid tribute, writing:
“We will miss you every day, forever. Your beautiful, uplifting spirit will always live on. You truly were the definition of loving and living life to the full.”
The inquest serves as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with mountaineering, even for those with considerable experience. Tryfan’s north ridge, while popular with climbers, remains one of the most technically challenging and dangerous routes in the region.
