Influencer Dies After Mountain Climbing Fall
A Bulgarian social media influencer tragically lost her life in a climbing accident while attempting to scale Tryfan mountain in Wales.
On February 22, Maria Eftimova was ascending the north ridge of the 3,010-foot peak with a group.
During the climb, the University of Salford student fell approximately 65 feet onto the rugged terrain below, according to the BBC.
A fellow climber nearby rappelled down to assist while a member of her group attempted CPR. Despite their efforts, a rescue team later recovered Eftimova’s body from the mountain.
She was 28 years old.
“Maria was a one of a kind person who lived life to the fullest — not only adventurous and free-spirited but also incredibly kind, intelligent, and selfless,” her best friend Megan Griffiths shared in a statement. “Her tragic loss will be felt by so many, and we are absolutely devastated to lose such a precious friend.”
Victoria Critchley, another close friend, also spoke about Eftimova’s character.
“Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her,” Critchley remarked.
“She had a passion for engineering, having studied civil engineering at the University of Salford and a love for extreme sports,” she continued.
“Her biggest passion being snowboarding, which she was super excited for and looking forward to doing again on her upcoming trip to Austria. She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world’s beauty,” Critchley added.
“Tragically, she was taken from her family far, far, far too soon. Words cannot express the devastation her family and our community are experiencing,” she said.
At the time of her passing, Eftimova was residing in the United Kingdom, as indicated on her Instagram profile.
As of Saturday, she had 3,977 followers.
“Here to inspire, not impress,” her bio read. “Adventure seeker, engineer, board enthusiast.”
Maria Eftimova, 28 who had a 'love for extreme sports' died when she fell 60ft down a mountain peak while climbing in Snowdonia with friends. pic.twitter.com/CA2YomhZBf
— Apex World News (@apexworldnews) February 27, 2025
Our paper presentations for the emerging engineers award are tonight! First up is Maria Eftimova with her paper on soul arching theory and it’s applications #emergingengineer #ICENorthWest pic.twitter.com/65wiwFAzHI
— ICE NW Early Careers (@ICE_NWGS) May 28, 2019
Just days earlier, another tragic incident occurred in Eryri National Park when a woman fell while descending Glyder Fach mountain.
On February 16, the hiker lost her footing on a grassy patch and plummeted 32 feet.
Her partner, attempting to catch her, sustained injuries to his wrist and head.
He was able to contact search and rescue and perform CPR, but she did not survive.
“The thoughts of all involved are with the casualties’ families and friends, thank you to all the members of the public who tried to help,” stated the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.