Hiking tragedy clams Shirley mother - The Solihull Observer

Hiking tragedy clams Shirley mother

Solihull Editorial 16th Jul, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

A Shirley mum has died alone while hiking on a 2,706ft (825m) mountain in a US nature reserve.

Ravinder Takhar was walking on Camelback Mountain in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area in Arizona with her family when tragedy struck.

Reports from the US said that after all three reached the summit the 48-year-old took a break and arranged to meet her husband and son later as they went on ahead last Tuesday (July 7).

The family raised the alarm when she failed to show up at the agreed meeting point and a search for her began.




Her body was later spotted deep in a ravine off the main trail by emergency workers following a five-hour rescue mission.

The cause of death was not revealed and US police are investigating.


Captain Mike Billingsley, of the Phoenix Fire Department, said Mrs Takhar was reported missing at around 2.15pm local time on Tuesday.

It was unknown precisely how long she had been missing before officials were called to the scene to begin a search.

Members of Phoenix Fire’s Technical Rescue Team and park rangers were joined by hikers who wanted to help.

Capt Billingsley said that the body of a woman was found at around 6.15pm by fire officials.

Paying tribute to Ravinder on Twitter the Phoenix Fire Department said: “Unfortunate and our hearts go out to the family.

“Missing hiker found dead on Camelback Mountain.”

Tributes flooded in for Ravinder including one from local resident in Phoenix on Twitter Andrewapple which simply read: “God bless the UK woman who lost her life on Camelback mountain.”

While Maria Syms tweeted: “Tragic. Prayers for this family. Missing hiker found dead on Camelback mountain.”

The Foreign Office said: “We can confirm the death of a British National in Phoenix, USA, on July 7.

“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this very difficult time.”

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