Bournemouth University graduate dies after falling 100ft down waterfall on holiday
Valentina Stragliotto, 27, an Italian digital marketing consultant who lived in Brighton, was visiting a waterfall near the tourist town of Ella with a friend on Thursday, September 24, when the accident happened.
Sri Lankan outlet Newswire, citing police, reported that Ms Stragliotto had been taking photographs at the Kithal Ella waterfall when she slipped and fell, suffering serious injuries.
She was taken to Demodara Hospital but later died, according to the report.
Ella Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Italian reporting said Ms Stragliotto fell more than 30 metres, around 100 feet, after losing her balance while standing on a rock.
Ms Stragliotto was originally from Bassano del Grappa, in the province of Vicenza in northern Italy, but had lived in Brighton for several years.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that she worked as a digital marketing consultant specialising in website optimisation, online advertising and strategies involving multiple communications channels.
Her LinkedIn profile listed her as a senior SEO specialist based in Brighton.
It said that her work included search optimisation, online advertising and wider digital marketing strategies.
She had studied at Bournemouth University.
Ms Stragliotto had also established Aligned & Free, a coaching project intended to help people improve their confidence.
She had spoken at the BrightonSEO conference, including delivering a talk titled “Fake It Till You Rewire It” about confidence and imposter syndrome.
She had also been preparing to work with Brighton-based charity Flourish Mentors, which supports women aged between 16 and 25.
In one of her recent LinkedIn posts, she said she was looking forward to contributing as a confidence coach and helping young women recognise their potential and find their voices.
Travel was another major part of her life.
Reports in both Britain and Italy said she worked as a group travel coordinator for WeRoad, although her visit to Sri Lanka was understood to have been a private holiday rather than a trip she was leading.
The Independent reported that a professional profile described her as having visited 33 countries and speaking Italian, English, French and Spanish.
It also said she had served on the British Interactive Media Association’s Young Talent Council.
In a description of her interests quoted by The Independent, Ms Stragliotto wrote: “My place is in nature.
“I love hiking and climbing and I especially love waterfalls.”
Nicola Finco, the mayor of Bassano del Grappa, offered his condolences to her family.
He told Italian outlet Nordest24: “Certain tragedies leave you speechless, especially when they involve young people who travel the world to grow and develop personally.
“On behalf of myself and the whole community, I offer my condolences to the family, to whom we send all our support.”
