Hiker sees wife plunge to her death

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Patricia Fletcher, 64, died on Sunday after apparently slipping on snow and falling about 328ft while walking in the Dolomite mountains, according to local police.

She was part of a group of six hikers, including her husband George, tackling a popular route known as the Ferrata delle Trincee, or "way of the trenches".

After Mrs Fletcher's fall, her husband and another member of the group scrambled down the mountainside to reach her but they could not save her.

The couple, from Nantwich in Cheshire, were described as hugely experienced climbers who had already completed several other high alpine trails during their holiday.

Mr Fletcher, who was said to be "absolutely traumatised" by his wife's death, is now making arrangements to bring her body home.

The accident happened near the town of Arraba in the municipality of Livinallongo del Col di Lana in Belluno province in northern Italy. Police are investigating what happened but said it was most likely a "tragic accident".

A police spokeswoman said: "The woman fell 100 metres, probably after slipping on the snow. She died almost immediately."

The Fletchers travelled to Italy with Collett's Mountain Holidays, based near Royston in Hertfordshire.

They had been due to fly back to Britain on Thursday after a short stay in Venice. Tom Collett, the travel firm's managing director, said: "It is a very tragic event and everybody here is devastated."