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Man Tracks Down Rest Of Girlfriend's Body After Her Skull Was Discovered In Pyrenees

Man Tracks Down Rest Of Girlfriend's Body After Her Skull Was Discovered In Pyrenees

Esther Dingley's body and equipment were found together by her partner, Daniel Colegate

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The body of a British hiker has been found by her partner close to where her skull was discovered two weeks ago.

Esther Dingley, who went missing in the Pyrenees, had been walking solo in the mountains near the Spanish and French border and was last seen on November 22.

PA

Now the 37-year-old final remains have been found together with her equipment by her partner, Daniel Colegate on Monday afternoon, LBT Global charity confirmed.

A statement said: "A team of forensic specialists along with mountain rescue personnel were dispatched to the site in order to catalogue the scene and recover Esther.

"At this stage an accident is the most likely hypothesis, given the location and other early indications. A full investigation is under way to confirm the details surrounding this tragedy.

"The family remain incredibly grateful for the efforts of the police units involved and their commitment to understanding the exact circumstances of Esther's death.

"LBT Global are supporting Daniel and Esther's mother, Ria, as they come to terms with this news."

Shutterstock

It comes after a single bone was found nearby last month, which DNA testing later confirmed was Ms Dingley's.

The LBT Global charity, who are representing her family, stressed that the investigation is still in its infancy, with just one bone currently located.

Daniel Colegate and Ms Dingley'smother, Ria Bryant, said in a statement: "We are distraught to report that we have received DNA confirmation that one of the bones found last week belongs to Esther.

"We have all known for many months that the chance we would get to hug our beloved Esther again, to feel her warm hand in ours, to see her beautiful smile and to watch the room light up again whenever she arrived was tiny, but with this confirmation that small hope has now faded.

"It is devastating beyond words."

Mr Colegate and Ms Bryant said the family would like to express their gratitude to the officers in charge of the various police units in France and Spain, the British consulates in Bordeaux and Barcelona, and LBT Global.

They added: "Their continued support and their determination to find answers is welcome."

Mr Colegate and Ms Dingley met at Oxford University and lived in Durham before they set off travelling around Europe in a camper van six years ago.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: News