Family pays tribute to ‘adventurous’ teenager who died on Madagascar placement

A teenage girl who died on an internship in Madagascar was a “bright, independent young woman”, her family has said.

Alana Cutland, from Milton Keynes, died earlier this month on the island off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean.

The 19-year-old “grasped every opportunity that was offered to her with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure” and was in Madagascar as part of her studies in natural sciences, family members said.

In a statement released through the Foreign Office, her family said: “Our daughter Alana was a bright, independent young woman who was loved and admired by all those that knew her.

“She was always so kind and supportive to her family and friends, which resulted in her having a very special connection with a wide network of people from all walks of her life, who we know will miss her dearly.

“Alana grasped every opportunity that was offered to her with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure, always seeking to extend her knowledge and experience in the best ways possible.

“She was particularly excited to be embarking on the next stage of her education, on an internship in Madagascar complementing her studies in natural sciences.

“Alana was also a talented dancer and embraced the more creative side of her talents with joy and commitment.

“Her thirst for discovering more of the world always ensured she made the most of every second of her action-packed young life.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful, beautiful daughter, who lit up every room she walked in to, and made people smile just by being there.”