Alexander Johnson, Sarah Jane Thompson Obituary, Death – A British couple tragically died in Majorca after being swept away by flash floods, with the boyfriend being carried nearly two miles by the torrent. Alexander Johnson, 32, was found deceased yesterday, concluding a frantic search that followed the earlier discovery of his partner, Sarah Jane Thompson, 26.
The Guardia Civil reported that Mr. Johnson was carried a significant distance by the floodwaters. Officials have since issued a strong warning to tourists about the hazards of hiking in adverse weather conditions. Since 2017, local media have reported seven fatalities due to similar flash floods and ravine incidents.
Rescuers, using a helicopter, located Mr. Johnson’s body in a flooded canyon in the Torrent de Pareis in Sa Calobra. He was found on Friday after water levels in the area had significantly receded. The couple had been caught in a storm on Tuesday, which led to a rapid rise in water levels in the river gorge.
During the flood, police managed to rescue a dozen hikers stranded in the area, utilizing helicopters to reach them. Some of the rescued individuals reported that the couple had been swept away by the deluge. The couple had been on the island with family and friends for a late summer vacation, according to The Telegraph.
Initially, police found Ms. Thompson but faced a prolonged search for Mr. Johnson. A shoe belonging to Mr. Johnson was discovered on Thursday, and his body was found the following day. The island has experienced severe flooding due to heavy rain, with conditions expected to worsen as the area remains under an orange alert.
The Civil Guard had to halt their search efforts temporarily on Tuesday due to the ongoing storm. They reported rescuing ten people trapped in the Torrent de Pareis by the floodwaters. Among those rescued were two Spaniards, and the remainder were French, German, and British nationals. Unfortunately, two members of a group of five had been swept away, and their whereabouts remained unknown.
Footage from the scene showed torrents of water rushing through a resort area at the mouth of the Pareis River. A police officer involved in the search operation emphasized the importance of using proper equipment for hiking in Majorca. He stated, “It’s a very demanding route, which you have to do with the right equipment.”
The officer also noted that previous years have seen tourists getting trapped by high waters. In response to the incident, the Foreign Office stated, “We are supporting the families of a British man and woman who are missing in Majorca and are in contact with the local authorities.”
This tragic event highlights the severe risks associated with hiking in areas prone to sudden and intense weather changes, underscoring the need for adequate preparation and awareness of local conditions.