Tragic British backpacker, 23, suffered blow to head

A BRITISH backpacker whose naked body was found at the bottom of a 300ft drop in Guatemala died after suffering a blow to the head, it was confirmed yesterday.

Catherine Shaw, 23, vanished after hiking for hours barefoot to watch the sunrise. The former yoga teacher, pictured, was found dead six days later in a mountainous area called Indian Nose.

A post mortem examination confirmed Miss Shaw, of Witney in Oxfordshire, died of a brain haemorrhage after a blow to the head. Officials have not ruled out foul play, but Miss Shaw’s family believe it was an accident.

Her father Tarquin is in Guatemala waiting to take his daughter home. The family are trying to raise £12,000 for repatriation. Miss Shaw had wandered off alone from her hotel holding only a puppy. Those close to her believe she stripped off as she hiked to be closer to nature. The puppy was found alive on the mountain.