Get you up to speed: Climber wrote online she ‘felt uncertain’ before falling 2,000 ft down volcano | News World
Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa died after falling approximately 2,000ft down Llaima Volcano in Chile while climbing with friends on her 42nd birthday. Her death was confirmed that evening, but her body could not be recovered until Monday morning due to severe weather conditions.
Rescue operations involved a joint effort from police, firefighters, volunteers, and the National Forest Corporation, concluding with the recovery of Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa’s body at approximately 6:30am on Monday. Héctor Tillería, director of Conaf, noted that the hiking group failed to register with park authorities, contravening established safety protocols.
Chilean authorities confirmed the recovery of Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa’s body following a joint operation involving police and rescue teams, while Conaf director Héctor Tillería emphasised the importance of registering with park authorities before climbing. He warned of adverse weather conditions in the coming week and urged climbers to adhere to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
What remains unclear — Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances of Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa’s fall.
Climber falls 2,000ft to her death from Llaima Volcano on 42nd birthday
Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa was climbing with a group of friends when she died on Sunday (Picture: JamPress)
A climber has died after plunging 2,000ft to her death down a volcano on her 42nd birthday.
Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa was climbing with a group of friends when the accident occurred at around 3pm on Sunday.
The mum-of-two posted a birthday message on social media just hours before her death.
Ahead of her climb up Llaima Volcano, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Chile, she said: ‘It’s three in the morning and we’re finishing packing our backpacks to ascend Llaima.
‘I hope God accompanies me on this wonderful day, on which I’m turning 42 and am super happy.
‘Yes, I have a little uncertainty about what’s going to happen.’
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The mum-of-two posted a birthday message on social media just hours before her death (Picture: JamPress)
Ingrid, who worked as school governor at Alexander Graham Bell School in Villarrica City, plunged to her death from a height of around 2,000ft (600m) while taking photos on the descent.
She reportedly released her ice pick, lost her balance, possibly exacerbated by strong winds, and slipped and fell down a steep ravine.
Rescue efforts were hampered by severe weather, with strong winds preventing a rescue helicopter from reaching the site.
Ingrid’s death was confirmed that evening, but her body could not be recovered until Monday morning at around 6:30am due to continuing poor conditions.
Rescuers at the site where Ingrid fell to her death (Picture: JamPress)
A joint operation involving police, firefighters, volunteers, and representatives from the National Forest Corporation successfully retrieved her remains.
Conaf director Héctor Tillería said the hiking group did not register with the park authorities or Carabineros beforehand, contrary to protocol.
He warned of adverse weather this week, with sub-zero temperatures and demanding high-mountain conditions, and urged all climbers to register properly for safety.
A school spokesperson, where Ingrid served as governor, called her a ‘responsible, kind, committed’ mother.
The community offered condolences to her husband, two children, family and friends.
Volcán Llaima, one of Chile’s most active volcanoes at over 3,000 metres, is a popular but challenging destination for experienced hikers.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances of the fall.
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