A student has tragically died after falling 500ft while rock climbing with a friend.
Eve McCarthy, a 21-year-old from Ireland, fell to her death on Friday (January 10) after walking the infamous Caminito del Rey pathway, close to the village of El Chorro in Malaga, Spain.
According to The Sun, the student was hiking in an area known to rock climbers as the “Swiss sector” near the “Arabic Staircase” when she and her male friend strayed from the designated path.
Both McCarthy and her unnamed friend lost their balance and fell over the edge of the ravine. Her companion, who managed to grasp onto an outcropping of rock covered in bushes, survived the fall while she tragically died.
The victim’s body was recovered by emergency services after the alarm was raised just after 7PM. Her friend was said to be in a state of shock when rescued by officials, Daily Mail reported.
A spokesman for the force in Malaga said: “I can confirm the woman who died was an Irish 21-year-old,” per Irish Times.
The 21-year-old was a final-year student of physiology at University College Dublin. She previously attended Loreto Abbey School in Dalkey.
The King’s Inn bar in Dalkey, where McCarthy worked, announced her heartbreaking death in a post shared on Facebook, which read: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the sad death of our colleague & friend Eve McCarthy.
“Eve was a big part of The King’s Inn family bringing so much joy and laughter with her fun-loving way of life,” they continued, adding: “Eve had great wit and was always so bubbly with a beautiful smile. We will miss Eve more than words can express. RIP Eve.”
People took to the comment section to share their condolences. “Heartbroken over this. She was such a nice and fun person. Condolences to Eve’s family and to you all at the Kings inn,” one person wrote.
A second said: “I will never forget her contagious smile and witty observations, it was an absolute pleasure to work with her. RIP Eve.”
A third added: “Such a lovely young person, with a wonderful curiosity for life and a willing smile for every customer. So so sad. Sincere condolences to her family, friends, and the Kings in family. RIP Eve.”
Our thoughts are with McCarthy’s family and friends at this time.
