Woman who slipped and died on volcano climb named by police

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a Cheltenham woman who died in New Zealand. On Friday it was reported that Emma Langley, 37, had slipped while ascending Mount Ruapehu volcano on Saturday, September 26.

In a statement released on Friday, New Zealand Police confirmed her name and nationality.

New Zealand police said she worked as a senior adviser at the Ministry of Social Development.

Ms Langley had been one of a group of nine climbers who were trekking up the eastern side of the mountain, crossing terrain known as Cathedral Rocks.

Police said she “slipped and fell down a slope” at about 12.30pm, and one of her party scrambled down to her and contacted emergency services.

However, due to very strong winds, a helicopter was unable to reach her.

Ground search and rescue teams were deployed.

In a statement released on Sunday, police Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said: “This is an absolutely tragic event for the woman who has died, her family and friends, and her climbing companions.

“Many in the group were relatively new climbers, but they were wellprepared and while the weather changed throughout the day, when they set off the conditions were suitable.

“While this was not the outcome anyone wanted, I want to acknowledge the bravery of those in the group who climbed down over a number of hours to assist her, as well as two other climbers who came across the scene and stopped to help.

“I also want to thank all the LANDSAR [search and rescue] men and women who worked tirelessly through the afternoon and well into the night, in absolutely shocking weather, to return the deceased to her family and rescue the rest of the group off the mountain.”

Police have asked for her family’s privacy to be respected.