‘Two wonderful people’: Tributes paid to British couple who died hiking in Spain

A British couple who died after being swept away by floods in Spain have been described as “two wonderful people”.

Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, and Alexander Barrett, 32, were hiking through the Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca on 3 September when they were swept away by flash flooding.

Stockport rock-climbing gym Awesome Walls, where Mr Barrett worked as an instructor, paid tribute to him and his girlfriend.

“Alex was known for his warm smile, kind nature, and endless psych in all aspects of life,” it wrote on Instagram.

“Whether it was in climbing or not, he was always keen to celebrate people’s achievements with a fist bump and a good laugh.

“Sarah was an Awesome Walls regular and a welcome sight to all who she crossed paths with. She was a kind, joyful and would regularly make friends with people during her climbing sessions.

“We will miss them dearly, but even though they aren’t with us any more they will always be part of the Awesome Walls family.”

The Good Rebel, a cocktail bar in Stockport, also paid tribute to Ms Thompson.

“Even though she left two years ago, Sarah was and still is a very big part of The Good Rebel, being with us from day one and helping make The Good Rebel what it is,” the bar wrote on Instagram.

“She was the heart and soul of the place and left an impression on everyone who walked through our door with her beaming smile and welcoming nature.

“She was the kindest and happiest person you could ever meet and could rock a pair of dungarees like no other.”

A memorial to the pair is being held on Sunday.

Gorge had ‘no easy exits’

Spain’s Civil Guard said the couple were on a trail that leads through a small canyon to the sea when the storm hit the Mediterranean island earlier this month.

According to a local tourism website, the dramatic gorge which leads to a hidden beach is often flooded from autumn until spring, and has no easy exits because of its sheer cliffs.

Ten others were rescued from the surprise storm.