British teenager falls to his death while rock climbing in Costa Rica

A 16-year-old British student has died after plummeting from a cliff while rock climbing in Costa Rica.

Lucas Drummond, from Hackney, London was in the Central American country completing his sixth-form studies.

According to the Daily Mail, he was abseiling down a rock face in Santa Ana with other students when he fell to the ground.

The experienced climber was leading a group on an expedition organised by his school, the United World College of Costa Rica.

A college spokesman told the Evening Standard: "Lucas was a very experienced climber and had climbed competitively in the UK. He was leading the descent ahead of the rest of the party and, as far as I am aware, no one saw what happened. The emergency services were called and the Judicial Investigation Department is now investigating.

"Lucas was an extremely popular, likeable and well-loved member of the close-knit college community. The staff and students are in a state of shock and have planted a tree in the school grounds in his memory."

In a statement, Lucas' family said: "We are devastated by the loss of our son Lucas, who was a devoted and loving brother and son to us and friend to so many.

"Lucas was always full of life and energy, someone with so many ideas of how to change the world for the better, and that is how we will remember him."

Related articles

Teen dies in 60ft cliff fall trying to protect brother on Cornwall holiday

Schoolboy dies in 'extreme heat' on Moroccan charity trek