A climber has tragically died after falling approximately 2,000 feet down a volcano on her 42nd birthday. Ingrid Daniela Vera Figueroa, a mother-of-two and school governor, was climbing with friends when the accident occurred at around 3pm on Sunday.
Birthday Climb Turns Fatal
Just hours before her death, Ingrid posted a birthday message on social media. She wrote: 'It's three in the morning and we're finishing packing our backpacks to ascend Llaima. I hope God accompanies me on this wonderful day, on which I'm turning 42 and am super happy.' She added ominously: 'Yes, I have a little uncertainty about what's going to happen.'
Ingrid, who worked as a school governor at Alexander Graham Bell School in Villarrica City, plunged to her death from a height of around 2,000 feet (600 metres) while taking photos during the descent. According to reports, she released her ice pick, lost her balance, possibly exacerbated by strong winds, and slipped, falling down a steep ravine.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Weather
Rescue efforts were severely hampered by adverse weather conditions. Strong winds prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching the site. Ingrid's death was confirmed that evening, but her body could not be recovered until Monday morning at around 6:30am due to continuing poor conditions. A joint operation involving police, firefighters, volunteers, and representatives from the National Forest Corporation (Conaf) successfully retrieved her remains.
Conaf director Héctor Tillería stated that the hiking group did not register with park authorities or Carabineros beforehand, contrary to protocol. He warned of adverse weather this week, with sub-zero temperatures and demanding high-mountain conditions, urging all climbers to register properly for safety.
Tributes to a Devoted Mother and Educator
A school spokesperson, where Ingrid served as governor, called her a 'responsible, kind, committed' mother. The community offered condolences to her husband, two children, family, and friends. Volcán Llaima, one of Chile's most active volcanoes at over 3,000 metres, is a popular but challenging destination for experienced hikers. Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances of the fall.
