British lawyer killed in Amazon boat crash: Trial begins

A British lawyer was killed in a boat crash while on holiday in the Amazon - and now her husband has returned to Brazil to attend a trial of two boat drivers charged with her manslaughter.

Gillian Metcalf died in September 2013 when two boats collided on the Rio Negro river (pictured above).

She was in the boat with her husband Charlie and their two daughters, Natasha and Alice, at the time of the crash.

The family were just days into a 12-day tour of South America to celebrate Gill's 50th birthday.

According to Kent Online, Charlie said: "Our legal representative has said there could be adjournments for various reasons, including the judge being called to another trial.

"I and one of my daughters want to be there all the time the court is sitting and I want to give evidence."

Speaking to the BBC, Charlie said: "Sometimes it seems like it happened yesterday.

"Obviously when things like this remain on the horizon it's difficult to put distance between yourself and that day. And that's why all three of us are looking forward to getting this behind us."

He added: "Natasha is due to take her finals in her biology degree at Warwick University in April so this will play havoc with them.

"It is very difficult but we just want to do everything we can for Gill."



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