British scientist 'crushed to death by boulder’ after falling into 65ft ravine on Greek island
The body of a British scientist has been found in a ravine on a Greek island just days after she was reported missing.
Dr Natalie Christopher is thought to have fallen down the 65ft ravine while out on a run on the Aegean island of Ikaria.
The 34-year-old Oxford-educated astrophysicist was reported missing by her Cypriot partner on Monday.
The cause of death was not immediately clear, although rescuers told Greece's state ERT TV that Ms Christopher appeared to have slipped and suffered fatal injuries while rock climbing.
Ms Christopher’s 38-year-old partner notified authorities when she did not return home or answer her phone.
He said she told him: “I can’t go fast, I’ll be back slowly, don’t worry.”
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Police reportedly managed to track Ms Christopher’s body after her phone turned on more than 24 hours after she went missing - possibly while she was trying to call for help.
Police, firefighters, volunteers and the coastguard scoured the area where Ms Christopher had been, which has paths along ravines and steep seaside cliffs.
A specialised police unit with geolocation equipment was sent to the island to help the search.
Cypriot authorities said they were in close contact with Greek search crews and the missing woman's family.
"I express the sincere condolences of the Cypriot state and of myself to the family and friends of Natalie Christopher," Cypriot Justice and Public Order Minister George Savvides said.
