The serene landscape of North Wales was marred by tragedy when 28-year-old engineer and social media influencer Maria Eftimova lost her life in a horrific fall from Tryfan Mountain in Snowdonia. Known for her passion for extreme sports and a zest for life, Maria’s untimely death sent shockwaves through both her local community and a wider online audience who admired her adventurous lifestyle. The incident, which occurred on the mountain’s notoriously dangerous north ridge, was described by witnesses as a harrowing accident during a casual climbing expedition with friends.
The Fatal Climb on Tryfan’s Treacherous North Ridge
Tryfan Mountain, one of Snowdonia’s most well-known peaks, is both a challenge and a lure for climbers due to its rugged terrain and iconic summit. Its north ridge, though popular, is considered particularly perilous because of its sharp scrambles and sudden drop-offs. On February 22nd, Maria Eftimova was part of a group tackling this route. The climb, as per witnesses, began like any other for seasoned adventurers.
Maria Eftimova, originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, and living in St Helens, was not a novice in the mountains. She had recently completed an ice-climbing course in Norway and was regarded as an experienced mountaineer. The group was ascending the face one by one when, according to climber Harry Jones, Maria stopped on a ledge to find a secure handhold.
Jones, who was just six feet below her to the left, asked if she had a firm grip. Her last words before the fall were reportedly, “I think so.” Moments later, Harry saw Maria tumble past him, falling approximately 65 feet into steep, rocky terrain.
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Another climber, Neil Oakes, taking a slightly different route, recounted the devastating moment when he turned to see Maria tumbling through the air in freefall. Despite the immediate panic and cries of “No, no, no,” there was nothing anyone could do to prevent the impact. The seriousness of her fall was clear to all around.
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The mountain rescue services were quick to respond. Nearby climbers with equipment abseiled down to secure Maria while CPR was attempted by a team member already on the scene. The Welsh Ambulance Service and a Coastguard helicopter also mobilized swiftly. But the injuries Maria suffered were too grave. She sustained severe head injuries, including a fractured skull, and was declared dead at the scene.
Tributes to a Life Filled with Passion and Adventure
Maria Eftimova was not just an engineer; she was a woman of immense passion, energy, and ambition. With over 10,000 followers on social media, she often documented her outdoor adventures, be it snowboarding, climbing, or mountaineering. Her online presence reflected a life lived on the edge—both literally and metaphorically.
Her friend Victoria Critchley described her as a “vibrant personality” whose “energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her.” A fundraising page set up by Victoria to help repatriate Maria’s body to Bulgaria highlighted the immense financial burden her grieving family faced. In her words, Maria Eftimova was “an ambitious, bright and cherished 28-year-old” with a zest for life that inspired many.
Maria Eftimova had studied Civil Engineering at the University of Salford and had made a career in a challenging field while nurturing her love for adventure sports. Among her many passions, snowboarding stood out as her favorite, and she was particularly looking forward to an upcoming trip to Austria to indulge in it once again.
Tributes poured in from friends and strangers alike. Jem Elder, another close friend, expressed sorrow and admiration in a heartfelt message: “We will miss you every day, forever, Maria. Your beautiful, uplifting spirit will always live on. You really were the very definition of loving life.”
The overwhelming sense from those who knew Maria was that she was someone who lived each day to its fullest—fearlessly embracing the wonders of nature and constantly seeking the next great adventure.
A Week of Tragedy in Snowdonia and the Inquest’s Findings
Maria Eftimova’s death came just six days after another young woman, Dr. Charlotte Crook, tragically fell while walking on Glyder Fach in the same mountainous region. The two accidents, though unrelated, underscored the inherent risks associated with climbing in Snowdonia’s rugged and unpredictable terrain. Both women were assisted by the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation, who responded valiantly but could not change the outcomes.
During the inquest into Maria’s death held in Caernarfon, Coroner Kate Robertson offered a measured and compassionate summary of the events. She concluded that Maria’s death was accidental, stating: “It seems that Maria was scrambling with others when she has unintentionally and unexpectedly fallen and during the course of that fall she has sustained the injuries which have sadly led to her death.” She extended condolences to Maria’s family and friends, recognizing the heartbreak of losing someone so young and full of life.
The coroner’s report and witness testimonies clarified that Maria Eftimova was well-equipped and capable, and that the fall was not due to recklessness or lack of experience. Instead, it was a tragic reminder of how even skilled climbers can face fatal consequences in unpredictable natural environments.
Mountain rescue officials echoed this sentiment, stressing that while Snowdonia offers majestic beauty and challenges for outdoor lovers, its landscape demands caution and respect. They also expressed deep appreciation for the members of the public who tried to help, particularly those who abseiled down to assist Maria immediately after her fall.
A Tragic Reminder of Nature’s Unforgiving Power
Maria Eftimova’s death is more than a climbing accident—it’s a poignant story of a life filled with passion, prematurely ended in the very environment she loved most. Her passing has opened up conversations about the risks faced by adventurers and the critical importance of mountain safety.
Tryfan Mountain, with its alluring yet treacherous terrain, continues to attract climbers from all over. Its north ridge, while popular for its exhilarating views and steep scrambles, has claimed lives before. The back-to-back incidents of Maria and Dr. Crook’s deaths serve as a sobering reminder that nature’s magnificence comes with real dangers.
Yet, Maria would likely not have wished for her story to discourage others from exploring the world. Her friends and family remember her as someone who truly lived—not just existed. Her spirit, captured in the many photos and posts she shared, was of a woman who embraced challenge and beauty in equal measure.
Her final climb, though ending in tragedy, epitomized the life she chose—a life unafraid, full of motion, and immersed in the natural world. In the words of her friend, Jem Elder: “See you on the last climb.” That message, poignant and profound, sums up the legacy Maria Eftimova leaves behind—one of courage, wonder, and an undying thirst for adventure.