GREECE: Tributes pour in for Cypriot woman who fell to her death in Ikaria

Natalie Christopher, a British-Cypriot woman, found at the bottom of a ravine on the island of Ikaria after going missing for two days, died as the result of a fall, said a Greek coroner.

The 34-year-old, who was last seen going for a run on Monday, was found down a ravine close to where she was staying on Wednesday afternoon with first indication showing the astrophysicist was killed instantly after falling from a height of 20 metres.

"After inspecting the site and the body, findings show that the woman’s death was a result of a fall from height," said forensic expert Nikos Karakoukis.

Christopher's body was transferred to Athens on Thursday for an autopsy.

Reports said police believe she had tried to climb a rock which slipped causing her to fall. Her body was found crushed under a large piece of rock.

Christopher, an astrophysicist who lived and worked in Cyprus, was first reported missing by her 38-year-old Cypriot partner, with whom she had been vacationing on Ikaria.

The couple were planning to return home to Cyprus on Monday evening.

Christopher was a known hiking, running and mountain racing enthusiast and was also acknowledged for her contribution as a social activist, striving to lessen the gender disparity that exists in sports participation in Cyprus.

She had launched the Cyprus Girls Can campaign to get women and girls, of all ages and abilities all across Cyprus, more involved in sport.

Christopher was a dedicated peace activist and following her death, bicommunal platforms have dedicated a peace march in her memory scheduled to take place on Thursday.

The Women’s organization of the Turkish Cypriot Turkish Republican Party issued a statement calling her death a great loss for the cause of reunifying the island.

President Nicos Anastasiades has also sent his condolences to Christopher’s family for their “tragic loss”.

He tweeted: “A young scientist and active citizen, who had all her life before her and had a lot to give, was unjustly taken from us. I express my sincere condolences to her family and relatives.”