A woman died during a climbing trip in Italy after falling 984ft in front of her friends.
Monica Reginato had been on a climbing trip to the Sorapiss mountain in the Dolomites, located in Veneto in north eastern Italy.
The 55-year-old from Castelfranco had been climbing on April 20 when she slipped and fell to her death.
Monica had been hiking with three of her friends, and had been using safety equipment including crampons.
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She had also reportedly been carrying skis on her back when she fell.
Emergency services were called at around 3.30pm local time, and a helicopter and medical personnel were sent to the scene.
Unfortunately there was nothing they could do other than pronounce Monica dead at the scene, confirming that she had been killed instantly.
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Monica was an experienced mountaineer, and had even taught at a school for mountaineers for some 20 years.
Rescuers had to use a 20-metre winch to recover Monica's body, which had fallen hundred of metres into a gully.
The mountaineering school where Monica volunteered also posted a tribute to her on their social media page.
They wrote: "Dear Monica, a few hours ago you left for a new and long journey, the most mysterious of all journeys.
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"After many years spent caressing the snow and the rock, you have chosen the environment dearest to you to live another adventure, this time the last one dismaying to say the least.
"After a sleepless night we still can't make sense of what happened, we are lost and confused but as soon as we close our eyes, your serene gaze and your smile appear in the darkness.
"We already know that it will be extremely hard. Your enthusiasm was an inspiration for all of us, your vitality gave us strength and your optimism lit up every space as soon as you crossed the threshold.
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The tribute continued: "You have given so much to our group: volunteer instructor, you have held the hands of dozens of students, transmitting to them the passion for the high lands and teaching prudence and preparation as essential requirements for each outing.
"We will miss you, but you will be missed even more by your family to whom we extend our thoughts of condolence and closeness - Dear Monica: have a safe trip."
Local media has reported that Monica's friends were treated for shock after her sudden death.
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In the month prior to the her death Monica had climbed in Carnia and Alpago on the Coglians and the Guslon Mountains.
Her funeral will take place on April 24.
Topics: News, World News
Kit Roberts