Uni student plunges to her death from plane
A teenage university student has died after falling over 1000 metres from a plane while on a research trip.
Alana Cutland, from the UK, reportedly fell from a light plane as it was flying over Madagascar on July 25 on her way back to the lodge where she was staying.
The Sun reports the woman’s body has not yet been located and may never be recovered due to the remote area in which she fell.
The 19-year-old’s family described her as a “bright, independent woman” in a statement released by the Foreign Office, according to the publication.
“Our daughter Alana was a bright, independent young woman, who was loved and admired by all those who knew her,” the family said of the Cambridge University student.
“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 life, who we know will miss her dearly.”
The family said she had a sense of adventure and was excited to undergo the internship in Madagascar.
“Her thirst for discovering more of the world always ensured she made the most of every second of her action-packed young life,” the statement said.
“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.”
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