Tributes to Scottish Woman who died in Avalanche in Argentina
5th September 2024
Last modified on September 8th, 2024
The avalanche struck her and two others on the Cerro López mountain that is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche in the west of the country.
It was first reported by the authorities that she came from Ireland, but her nationality has now been clarified.
One man was injured and has been taken to hospital while the other man managed to dig himself out and call the emergency services.
Two survivors of the avalanche have been named locally as Augusto Gruttadauria, from Cordoba, and local man Christian Erauskin.
The group were ski touring at the time.
Andrea was a former student at Glasgow Caledonian University and was the treasurer of the Snowsports Club.
The university described Andrea as a “dedicated student.”
“The thoughts of everyone at Glasgow Caledonian University are with Andrea’s family and friends at this desperately sad time,” said a spokesperson the STV News.
“Andrea was an extremely dedicated student and received an award from our Students’ Association for her exceptional contribution to student life during her time with us.”
Andrea Marshal was an instructor who was working at the Cerro Catedral ski resort as part of an exchange program.
Cerro Catedral, Argentina. Image © PlanetSKI
“We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Argentina and are in contact with the local authorities,” said a statement from the Foreign Office.
The avalanche risk at the time was Level Three, which means there was ‘considerable’ risk.
“At around 5 p.m. they entered a very risky, very dangerous area, given the quantity of snow,” said the head of the Rescue Commission, Nahuel Campitelli.
Three guides from the Argentine Mountain Guides Association saw the accident and went to the area.
They arrived half an hour later, finding the Scottish woman dead and one of the men with hypothermia but not seriously injured, and they raised the alarm.
Rescue teams came from the Ruca Cura fire department, the Army, National Parks and Police.
Sniffer dogs were also used.
Other skiers in the area have been urged to exercise caution.
