Emily Parker: 'lit up a room'
The family of the young woman who died in an incident in Glencoe yesterday said she was a passionate paddler who was a widely experienced kayaker.
Emily Frances Parker, a Leeds University student from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, died when her craft overturned on the River Coe. The 20-year-old’s body was found after an extensive search of the water, which was swollen by heavy rain and meltwater.
Her family said of the psychology student: “She was passionate about kayaking, having started paddling when she was 12 years old. Summer 2009 saw her realise her ambitions to paddle in both Uganda and the French Alps; her plan for 2010 was to experience the rivers of New Zealand.
“Army cadets featured as a large part of her teenage life, where she excelled at rifle shooting. This took Emily to Canada to compete and saw her selected twice for the National Cadet Rifle Championships in Bisley.”
The former Brayton High School and Pontefract College student was in her final year of a degree course and was looking forward to graduating later this year.
The family statement continued: “Emily always had boundless energy and a big smile, often described as ‘lighting up a room’ when she walked in. Her tragic death has left a huge void and we cannot imagine life without her.”
A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said a report on the circumstances of Ms Parker’s death would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
- A canoeist who went missing off Shetland six days ago has still not been found.
Kester Wigram, missing since Thursday
New Zealand-born Kester Jonathon Wigram, 51, a resident of Shetland for more than 10 years, disappeared after being seen in his canoe at Bigton on Thursday.
A member of the public contacted police after realising the Wellington-born man’s car was still at the site the following morning.
The Shetland Coastguard helicopter, two Royal National Lifeboat Institution crew and four Coastguard search teams have been involved in the hunt for the missing man.
A police spokesperson said they are clearly concerned for Mr Wigram’s wellbeing.
