Sarah Jane Thompson and Alexander Barrett were found dead following a major search and rescue operation
Tributes have poured in for a ‘wonderful’ couple tragically swept away by massive floods while on a hiking holiday in Majorca. Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, and her partner Alexander Barrett, 32, were found dead after an extensive search and rescue operation on the Spanish island earlier this month.
The couple went missing on Tuesday, September 3. The body of Sarah, from Levenshulme, Manchester was found in the Torrent de Pareis area of the Tramuntana mountain range on Wednesday, September 4.
Meanwhile, the search efforts continued for Alex, who was last seen attempting to rescue his girlfriend from the abrupt floodwaters. On Friday, September 6, at 11.15am local time, a spokesperson for the Civil Guard confirmed the discovery of a young man’s body fitting Alex’s description.
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In the wake of the devastating loss, Stockport’s Awesome Walls rock climbing gym, where Alex served as an instructor, paid tribute to the couple. Posting to Instagram on Wednesday, September 20, they said: “Today we have to share some heartbreaking news with you. Whilst on holiday, our brilliant instructor, Alex, and his wonderful girlfriend, Sarah, were involved in a tragic accident and have unfortunately passed away.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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The tribute continued: “Alex was known for his warm smile, kind nature, and endless psych in all aspects of life. 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 kind, and 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 bar in Stockport, where Sarah had previously worked, also paid tribute to the couple on Instagram, saying: “We have some sad news to share. Whilst on holiday, Sarah Thompson who used to work with us, was involved in a tragic accident alongside her boyfriend Alex and sadly passed away.”
“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 1 and helping make The Good Rebel what it is. 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. We love and miss you Sarah x.”
Friends and family have arranged a tribute event to remember Alex and Sarah. The memorial will take place on Sunday, September 22 at 7.15pm, starting from the Woodbank and Vernon Park car park, before making its way down to the lower section of the park’s expansive field.
Awesome Walls has also shared a touching tribute, deciding to keep Alex’s black boulder project permanently in their bouldering room to honour his memory. They shared: “We do not want to forget these two wonderful people. Please keep talking about them and the experiences you shared with them. The laughter and sense of light they brought to the centre is something we should all strive to keep in our lives.”
In a heartfelt farewell, they said: “Goodbye Alex and Sarah. We hope you’re still climbing mountains somewhere.”