Travel influencer Maria Eftimova was climbing the north-ridge of Tryfan mountain when she fell about 65 feet. She was climbing the 3010 foot mountain with a group, and one of the group members performed CPR, but it was too late. Eftimova died from her injuries on February 22, 2025. She was only 28 years old.

Eftimova’s best friend, Megan Griffiths, told the BBC, “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 tragic loss will be felt by so many, and we are absolutely devastated to lose such a precious friend.”

Victoria Critchley, another one of Eftimova’s friends, shared, “Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her. She had a passion for engineering, having studied civil engineering at the University of Salford and a love for extreme sports. Her biggest passion being snowboarding, which she was super excited for and looking forward to doing again on her upcoming trip to Austria.”

She added, “She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world’s beauty. Tragically, she was taken from her family far far far too soon. Words cannot express the devastation her family and our community are experiencing.”

In the span of just 10 days, Eftimova was the second woman to lose her life while climbing Tryfan. It is hard to climb because it doesn’t have any marked footpaths. It can be especially difficult in bad weather, and the mountain still has snow at the top.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation chairman Chris Lloyd warns mountain climbers, “check the weather forecast and make sure you are suitable equipped” before heading out to the mountain, and bring a flashlight. 

Lloyd told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, “The amount of times we are called because people have been caught out by darkness because they didn’t bring a torch with them even though it’s a really simple thing.”

Watch the video below to learn more about Eftimova and the tragic accident that took her life at such a young age.