Aussie man dies in freak accident while on holiday with wife

Tributes are flowing for an Adelaide man who died in the arms of his wife while on their dream adventure in Canada.

Daniel Heritage's young life was cut short last week in a climbing accident in Calgary, while he and his wife Emma took time off work to fulfil their overseas adventures.

When starting the trip in March, the 28-year-old engineer wrote that he wanted to "pursue hobbies and passion projects that [he hadn't] previously had the opportunity to".

Accomplished climber Daniel Heritage has lost his life in a freak accident at Mount Alberta, Canada. Source: Facebook / Emma Heritage
Accomplished climber Daniel Heritage has lost his life in a freak accident at Mount Alberta, Canada. Source: Facebook / Emma Heritage

“This includes rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies, becoming a more proficient skier, building on my photography skills, and by the end of this trip I aim to have lead-climbed a frozen waterfall,” Mr Heritage wrote on LinkedIn.

Now, after recently celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary, Emma has been left grieving alone in Canada, with her father currently making the journey there to support his daughter and help bring Daniel back home, 9 News reports.

Emma's twin sister Jess made a GoFundMe to assist financially with her family's sudden trip to be with her grieving sister, and with funeral costs. Almost $25,000 has been raised, way beyond the $10,000 goal.

"The death was very traumatic for Emma as she witnessed the accident and held him in her arms as he passed," Jess wrote on the GoFundMe page.

The couple recently celebrated four years of marriage. Source: Facebook / Emma Heritage
The couple recently celebrated four years of marriage. Source: Facebook / Emma Heritage

Family and friends pay tribute to the Adelaide man

Mr Heritage has been described by many as a kind and caring person.

Briana Heritage, his older sister, told The Advertiser he "always (knew) the right thing to say".

“Even though you were younger you were always the one that looked out for me,” she said.

“You inspired me to be more than I was. When I was sad you would let me crawl into your bed. You’re still the person I come to for advice.”

Younger sister Rebecca Heritage said her brother had the “kindest heart, most infectious smile and strongest morals” and that he was “living his best life in Canada," The Advertiser reported.

Friends took to Facebook to also honour the young man.

"It's hard to put into words how much this hurts, how much you will be missed, how cruel life can be," Melissa Swinbourne said.

"My heart just sank into my stomach, this is incredibly sad, he was always lovely in school," Katelyn Blokland said on Facebook. " I hope his wife gets all the support she needs."

"A terrible loss of such a unique, funny, special person," said Danaë Gordon.

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