Leicester Student Dies In Everest Avalanches

28 April 2015, 12:36 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Leicester Uni postgraduate student was among those killed in avalanches on Mount Everest at the weekend.

Ice falls was started by the earthquake in Nepal.

American Dr Marisa Eve Girawong had been part-way through studies on a mountain medicine course, she died at the mountain Base Camp at the weekend.

Dr Peter Barry, from the university's infection, immunity and inflammation department, told Capital:

'She was delightful to know - a beautiful, intelligent, outgoing person who effortlessly got on with everyone.

'She had plans to continue her work in the mountains and was excited about the adventures ahead of her.

'This is a real loss to our community.

'Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.'

'We Lost Her in Base Camp'

More than 4,300 people have died across the country after Saturday's earthquake, with 18 of those, including Dr Girawong, dying after avalanches fell onto climbers and support teams.

In a dispatch from Nepal, Garrett Madison, of Madison Mountaineering, told Capital:

'We are still just incredibly devastated by the loss of our Base Camp doctor, Marisa Eve Girawong.

'She supported us throughout the expedition, took good care of us and insured that we were healthy throughout.

'We lost her in Base Camp due to wind blast from the landslide.'