A British woman is among five people who died after severe weather struck Chile’s Patagonia region, officials have confirmed.
The bodies were recovered on Tuesday inside Torres del Paine National Park, a popular destination in the country’s far south.
Victoria Bond was hiking with friends in Argentina and Chile when the storm hit, her colleagues said.
The “much-loved” public relations consultant from Cornwall was described as someone who was “always full of charisma” and had an “amazing passion for life”.
A spokesperson for Visit Isles of Scilly, where Ms Bond worked, said the organisation was “deeply saddened”.
In a tribute, the firm said: “Victoria headed up our public relations for over six years. She was always full of charisma, charm and had an amazing passion for life and Scilly.
“Her can do, never say no attitude and infectious laugh were adored by all who knew her.
“She will be missed beyond words, and we are only now just starting to process her untimely passing.”
Andrew Sells, chair of Visit Isles of Scilly, added: “She was always a joy to work with, and I cannot praise her work too highly.
“She is an enormous loss to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
The other victims were two German and two Mexican nationals, according to Jose Antonio Ruiz, the presidential delegate of the Magallanes of southern Chile.
Four other people were found alive.
“We appreciate the effort of all civilian, military, public and private institutions that participated in this operation,” the regional presidential office said in a statement shared on Facebook.
The search operation has now concluded, officials have said. Attention is shifting to returning the bodies to their home countries and coordinating with the relevant consulates.
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Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font praised the rescue teams for their “tireless” efforts despite harsh conditions, including heavy snow and winds reaching up to 118 mph.
“To the families, friends and loved ones of the five people from Mexico, Germany and the United Kingdom who lost their lives in the incident in Torres del Paine, I send my heartfelt condolences,” he wrote on X, adding that the Chilean authorities stand ready to support them.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment.
