Hiker in plunge tragedy
A TENDER moment between a couple on top of a Peak District waterfall ended in tragedy when she lost her footing and fell 60 feet to her death, an inquest heard.
Seconds before Hannah Lowe and her partner were chatting about how happy they were.
The 29-year-old was an experienced hill walker and climber with her family and boyfriend Adam Stanaway.
On Easter Monday this year – the day before Adam’s 30th birthday – the pair took a relaxing walk in the Peak District with Hannah’s mother and sister and set out from the village of Edale.
After three hours they reached the top of Kinder Scout and shared a picnic with Hannah’s family before wandering off for a few precious moments alone.
The pair sat at the top of the Kinder
Downfall and spoke about their future, but as they got up to leave, Hannah slipped.
In a statement read to the inquest, Adam said: “We went for a little wander and sat on some rocks.
“We were both very happy as we were buying our first house the next day, my 30th birthday.
“We were only there a few minutes, then we got up to go.
“Hannah turned around and lost her footing on the rocks. I reached around to grab her bag but I couldn’t grab it in time and she fell.
“I shouted for Hannah’s mother and she came over. We tried to get down but had to go back up.”
Thirty minutes later he was told the devastating news Hannah had died.
The inquest heard that as they dialled 999 two ramblers arrived on the scene and one of them eventually made it to the foot of the falls, but the trainee accountant was already gone.
She had suffered catastrophic brain injuries after landing on rocks at the foot of the beauty spot.
After the tragedy Adam posted a picture and message on Instagram which said: “I will love you forever sleep tight my darling until I see you again.”
Hannah’s mother said: “We will remember Hannah as happy, beautiful, warm and funny.”
Recording a conclusion of accidental death, Derbyshire Assistant Coroner Emma Serrano said: “I take note of the many wonderful things that have been said about Hannah. To say that she was much-loved is an understatement.”