A daredevil from the Highlands has plunged to his death in a horrific paragliding accident in South America.
Tributes were paid to Stuart Somerville, who was said to have been killed instantly after falling more than 1000ft into a lake in Ecuador while shocked friends looked on.
The 48-year-old – who was originally from Fort William – was reportedly attempting a manoeuvre called a “barrana” when he got into difficulty and began spiralling out of control.
It is understood his equipment was fitted with a safety parachute, but he did not deploy it in time and landed heavily in the Yahuarcocha Lagoon – a popular country club and tourist spot.
An Ecuador police spokesman confirmed Mr Somerville travelled to the area from his home in Carthage, in Colombia, and only arrived at the lake the day before Wednesday afternoon’s tragedy.
Jorge Duque, from local paragliding group Flyecuador Parapente Ecuador, posted the tragic news online.
He said: “I regret to report the death of friend and pilot, Scotsman Stuart Somerville, (who) came yesterday to Ibarra after his previous visit three years ago.
“He came travelling on his bike, camping, and just as always, was cheerful and positive.”
He added that friends and emergency services attempted to revive Mr Somerville, but the impact had been too severe.
Mr Dugue said: “We’re in mourning. Stuart was a great, experienced pilot, a fan of cross country and resided in Carthage, Colombia, where I was building his house.”
Friend Mark Chatel also posted a tribute online, which stated: “Really sad to read of the death of Stuart Somerville in a recent paragliding accident in Ecuador. You had a lust for life, Stuart, and will be sorely missed.”
Jhon Jaiber Zapata added his expression of sympathy, saying: “My friend Stuart Somerville, a person who enjoyed life minute by minute, a man with a great sensitivity, unfortunately leaves us today doing what he loved most. Sad you’re leaving, friend.”
The weather at the time of the tragedy was said to have been sunny, with clear skies.
A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed: “We are providing support to the family of a British man who sadly died in Ecuador and our sympathies are with them at this difficult time. We are in contact with the Ecuadorian authorities.”
