UK

Tributes paid to British hikers who died on Spanish island of Majorca

Sarah Thompson and boyfriend Alexander Barrett were found after a search and rescue operation by Spanish authorities.

Emergency services searched an area near the Torrent de Pareis on Majorca
Emergency services searched an area near the Torrent de Pareis on Majorca (Alamy Stock Photo)

Tributes have been paid to a British couple who died in a mountainous area of Majorca, after they are believed to have been swept away by a flash flood.

The bodies of Sarah Thompson and boyfriend Alexander Barrett were found after a search and rescue operation by Spanish authorities earlier this month.

Spain’s Civil Guard had been searching for the couple after storms hit the region on September 3.

The body of Miss Thompson was discovered by search and rescue teams on September 4, with Mr Barrett’s body being found two days later on September 6.

Friends and former colleagues have since paid tribute to the couple, who are thought to be from the Greater Manchester area.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

The Good Rebel bar in Stockport, where Miss Thompson previously worked, paid tribute to her on its Instagram, remembering her kind nature and “beaming smile”.

The bar wrote: “We have some sad news to share.

“Whilst on holiday, Sarah Thompson who used to work with us, was involved in a tragic accident alongside her boyfriend Alex and sadly passed away.

“Even though she left 2 years ago, Sarah was and still is a very big part of The Good Rebel, being with us from day 1 and helping make The Good Rebel what it is.

“She was the heart and soul of the place and left an impression on everyone who walked through our door with her beaming smile and welcoming nature.

“She was the kindest and happiest person you could ever meet and could rock a pair of dungarees like no other. We love and miss you Sarah x.”

Climbing gym Awesome Walls in Stockport, where Mr Barrett worked as an instructor, paid tribute to the couple on Facebook, remembering them as enthusiastic climbers.

Friends and family have organised a memorial for the couple for Sunday evening in Stockport’s Woodbank and Vernon Park.

In early September, Spain’s Civil Guard said both people were on a trail that leads through a small canyon to the sea when the storm hit the Mediterranean island.

Emergency services searched the area near the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains and recovered their bodies.

The Balearic Islands and a large area of Spain’s eastern coast were under alert for strong winds and heavy rains.