British woman on cycling holiday in Pyrenees killed in ravine fall

A British woman has died on a cycling holiday in the French Pyrenees after falling into a ravine.

Local firefighters believe that Jennifer Hill, who was on holiday with her husband, missed a turn on a descent due to foggy conditions, reports France TV.

The fatal crash happened at around 1pm on Sunday on a road near the Gavarnie-Gèdre ski station in the Hautes-Pyrénées region, close to the Spanish border.

Mrs Hill, aged 57, lived in Monmouth and worked as director of learning and skills for Vale of Glamorgan Council.

In a statement quoted on Wales Online, her family said she was "a devoted mother and treasured wife."

They added: "We are so proud of her dedication to her work and many achievements both in the Vale and earlier in her career.

“She strove for nothing less than the best, whether it was cycling, running, or tending our beautiful garden. Nothing can replace her.”

Rob Thomas, managing director of Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I, like colleagues across the council, was shocked to hear the news of this Jennifer’s tragic death.

“Those of us who worked with Jennifer will remember her not only as being hugely talented but also for being extremely committed to her role, and to improving the standard of education in the Vale.

"Jennifer’s work was admired far beyond the Vale of Glamorgan and her tragic death is a great loss to her profession. The greater loss is of course to Jennifer’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Having worked closely with her for several years I feel very fortunate to have been able to call Jennifer both a friend and colleague. Her compassion was unbreakable, in even the most testing of circumstances, and she will be deeply missed.”

Council leader Neil Moore described Mrs Hill as “a public servant of great distinction” and that she would "leave a space that cannot be filled.”