British woman among five people killed after severe snowstorm in Chilean Patagonia

A British woman has been confirmed among five people who died during a powerful snowstorm in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, a remote and popular destination in the Patagonia region. Chilean authorities identified the victim as 40 year old Victoria Bond, a public relations consultant from Cornwall, who was visiting the area as part of a long planned trip with friends.

According to officials, the storm claimed the lives of two German citizens, two Mexican citizens and Ms Bond. Their bodies were recovered on Tuesday after search teams battled extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow and fierce winds. Jose Antonio Ruiz, the presidential delegate for the Magallanes region, confirmed the deaths and said that search operations have now concluded.

Ms Bond had been widely known in her professional community. Visit Isles of Scilly, where she served as the head of public relations for more than six years, said it was devastated by the news. Chairman Andrew Sells described her as an essential member of the organisation and praised her dedication to promoting the islands off the Cornish coast. He said she had been on a trip of a lifetime in Argentina and Chile and was hiking when the storm trapped her.

Euan Rodger, executive vice chairman of Visit Isles of Scilly, said the team was heartbroken, calling Ms Bond a source of energy, warmth and enthusiasm. Others who had worked with her shared similar sentiments. Adrian Jones, who collaborated with her on the Roseland Festival in Cornwall, said she was witty, creative and full of ideas. He said she will be deeply missed, not only professionally but also personally, as she had strong ties to Portscatho despite living in Newquay.

Chilean officials said the focus will now shift to supporting families and arranging the repatriation of the victims. President Gabriel Boric Font praised the search and rescue crews who worked in extremely dangerous conditions, with snowfall described as intense and winds reaching nearly 118 miles per hour. In a message posted on X, he offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that Chilean authorities would provide full support.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is assisting Ms Bond’s family and is in contact with Chilean authorities to coordinate arrangements. The tragedy has cast a shadow over a region known for its dramatic beauty but also its unpredictable and often extreme weather conditions. For many who knew Victoria Bond, her death is a profound loss, and tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, friends and community members who admired her adventurous spirit and passion for her work.