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23rd Jan 2019

‘Bikini Hiker’ blogger dies of suspected hypothermia in mountaineering accident

Fans have been paying tribute to the woman.

Anna O'Rourke

'Bikini Hiker' blogger dies of suspected hypothermia in mountaineering accident

A blogger known as the ‘Barefoot Bikini Hiker’ has died following a mountain-climbing accident in Taiwan.

Gigi Wu was known for posting photos of herself in bikinis atop mountains to social media.

An experienced climber, she would make her way up mountains in hiking gear before changing into swimwear at the peak.

The 36-year-old, who was from Taiwan, was hiking the Batongguan Historic Trail in Yushan National Park on Saturday when she fell down a 65-foot ravine.

She made a call for assistance using a satellite phone, telling rescuers that she had injured herself and was trapped at the bottom of the gorge unable to move her bottom half, reports Vice.

A rescue mission was launched but poor weather prevented helicopters from getting to her.

Instead, responders had to set out on foot. They recovered Ms Wu’s body on Monday, 43 hours after she raised the alarm.

She is believed to have died from hypothermia.

Fans of Ms Wu have flooded her Facebook page with tributes to her since news of her death broke.

Her Instagram page has been closed by her family, with a memorial account to be set up after her funeral.

The family has also started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the cost of her funeral.

Last year, three Canadian Youtube stars who were known for their extreme travel videos died after falling at a waterfall in British Columbia.