Brit lady Victoria Bond discovered lifeless in Patagonia snowstorm was ‘on journey of a lifetime’
Victoria Bond, 30, from Cornwall, UK, was caught in a “freak severe snowstorm” in Chilean Patagonia with her friends, and her body was found following a major search operation
A British woman tragically killed in a snowstorm alongside several other tourists was enjoying the “trip of a lifetime” when she perished, her employers have revealed in a devastating statement.
Victoria Bond, from Cornwall, was identified as one of the victims who lost their lives following a fatal blizzard in Patagonia, Chile, after five bodies were retrieved from within the Torres del Paine National Park.
She was the only British casualty discovered following an extensive search operation in the region mounted by national authorities that saw rescue teams combat treacherous 118mph gales.
Four individuals were found alive.
As efforts now focus on repatriating the remains of the casualties – including two German and two Mexican citizens – to their home countries, Ms Bond’s employers have released a statement expressing they are “deeply saddened” by her passing.
A representative for Visit Isles of Scilly, where Ms Bond was employed, confirmed she served as the organisation’s head of public relations for more than six years. They revealed in a statement that she was on the trekking expedition “of a lifetime” with companions and travelling through Argentina and Chile when she died, reports the Mirror.
The statement reads: “We are deeply saddened, to hear of the tragic passing of our dear and much-loved friend and colleague, Victoria Bond. Whilst on a trip of lifetime to explore and go hiking with friends in Argentina and Chile, her group were caught in a freak severe snowstorm and high winds in Chilean Patagonia.
“Following a wide scale rescue operation by the Chilean authorities, Victoria’s body was found along with two Mexican and two German nationals. Four others were found alive. Victoria headed up our Public Relations for over six years.
“She was always full of charisma, charm and had an amazing passion for life and Scilly. Her can do, never say no attitude and infectious laugh were adored by all who knew her. She will be missed beyond words, and we are only now just starting to process her untimely passing.”
Andrew Sells, Chair of Visit Isles of Scilly, also paid tribute to Victoria, saying she was a “joy to work with”. He said: “We are all utterly devastated to hear the news of Victoria’s death whilst on holiday in Patagonia. Victoria worked tirelessly to promote the Isles of Scilly and was an integral part of the small Visit Isles of Scilly team.
“She was always a joy to work with, and I cannot praise her work too highly. She is an enormous loss to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Euan Rodger, Visit Isles of Scilly’s Executive Vice Chair, added the team was left “heartbroken” by her death, and that her “dedication and spirit” would be “greatly missed”.
With the “tireless” search for bodies in Patagonia having now concluded, officials are working to repatriate the bodies.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the department is supporting Ms Bond’s family.
They revealed: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died following an incident in Chile and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric Font took to X, previously known as Twitter, offering his “deepest condolences” to the families of those who perished in the tragedy, whilst promising the “full support and collaboration of Chilean authorities”.
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