British Woman Victoria Bond Dies in Patagonia Snowstorm Tragedy

A British woman, Victoria Bond, tragically lost her life during a snowstorm in Patagonia, Chile, while on what her employers described as the “trip of a lifetime.” The incident occurred in the Torres del Paine National Park following a severe blizzard that claimed the lives of five tourists. Bond, who was from Cornwall, was identified as the only British casualty among the victims retrieved by rescue teams amidst challenging conditions, including winds reaching up to 118 mph.

The search operation, conducted by Chilean authorities, was extensive. While five bodies were recovered, four individuals were found alive. The focus now shifts to repatriating the deceased, which includes two German and two Mexican citizens, to their respective countries.

Bond’s employers, Visit Isles of Scilly, expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, highlighting her role as the head of public relations for over six years. They described her as a vibrant individual who was passionate about her work and the community. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our dear and much-loved friend and colleague, Victoria Bond,” the statement read.

The representative further noted that Bond was on a trekking expedition with friends, exploring the stunning landscapes of Argentina and Chile when disaster struck. The organization emphasized her “can-do attitude” and infectious laughter, which endeared her to colleagues and the community alike.

Andrew Sells, Chair of Visit Isles of Scilly, also paid tribute, stating, “We are all utterly devastated to hear the news of Victoria’s death whilst on holiday in Patagonia. She worked tirelessly to promote the Isles of Scilly and was an integral part of our team.”

Euan Rodger, Executive Vice Chair of the organization, described the team as “heartbroken” by her passing, noting that her dedication and spirit would be greatly missed.

In the wake of the tragedy, a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are providing support to Bond’s family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the incident.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font extended his condolences via X, previously known as Twitter, offering his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and assuring them of the “full support and collaboration” of Chilean authorities.

As the community mourns the loss of Victoria Bond, her contributions to the Isles of Scilly and the memories shared with friends and colleagues will endure.