Pictured: British couple who died after being swept away by floods

by · Mail Online

Tributes have been paid to a 'wonderful' couple who died after huge floods swept them away while hiking on holiday in Spain.

Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, and her boyfriend Alexander Barrett, 32, were found dead following a major search and rescue operation in Majorca earlier this month. The couple disappeared on September 3 during a hiking expedition.

Ms Thompson, who lived in Levenshulme, south Manchester, was found dead in the Torrent de Pareis region of the Tramuntana mountain range the following day. 

But the search continued for Mr Barrett, who was last seen desperately trying to save his girlfriend from the sudden floods.

On September 6, a Civil Guard spokesman confirmed that the body of a young man who matched Mr Barrett's description had been found. 

Sarah Jane Thompson, 26, pictured with her boyfriend Alexander Barrett, 32
Both were found dead following a major search and rescue operation in Majorca earlier this month
The area where the British hikers disappeared was affected by flash flooding (pictured above)

A total of 10 people were rescued amid the worst of the flooding which occurred on September 3.

Following the couple's deaths, Stockport rock climbing gym Awesome Walls, where Mr Barrett worked as an instructor, paid tribute to the couple.

In a post on Instagram, they said: 'Today we have to share some heartbreaking news with you. Whilst on holiday, our brilliant instructor, Alex, and his wonderful girlfriend, Sarah, were involved in a tragic accident and have unfortunately passed away.

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Brit hiker missing in Majorca was 'swept away by water while trying to save his girlfriend'

'Alex was known for his warm smile, kind nature, and endless psych in all aspects of life. Whether it was in climbing or not, he was always keen to celebrate people's achievements with a fist bump and a good laugh. 

'Sarah was an Awesome Walls regular and a welcome sight to all who she crossed paths with. She was a kind, joyful and would regularly make friends with people during her climbing sessions.

'We will miss them dearly, but even though they aren't with us any more they will always be part of the Awesome Walls family.'

Ms Thompson's former employer, The Good Rebel bar in Stockport, also paid tribute to the couple: 'We have some sad news to share. Whilst on holiday, Sarah Thompson who used to work with us, was involved in a tragic accident alongside her boyfriend Alex and sadly passed away.

'Even though she left two years ago, Sarah was and still is a very big part of The Good Rebel, being with us from day one and helping make The Good Rebel what it is. She was the heart and soul of the place and left an impression on everyone who walked through our door with her beaming smile and welcoming nature.

Helicopters were launched in the search efforts as authorities believed the man was carried away in the torrent of water while attempting to save his girlfriend
Rescue teams waded through the river water in an attempt to locate the missing British tourist
 The grim discovery was made after divers joined the hunt for the missing couple, who were swept away by the flood (Pictured: Search teams wading through water)

'She was the kindest and happiest person you could ever meet and could rock a pair of dungarees like no other. We love and miss you Sarah x.'

A memorial for Alex and Sarah has been organised by friends and family. It will take place on Sunday at 7:15pm, starting at the Woodbank and Vernon Park car park, and then heading down to the big field in the lower section of the park.

Awesome Walls also announced that Alex's recent black boulder project will be left up in the bouldering room in memory of him.

It added: 'We do not want to forget these two wonderful people. Please keep talking about them and the experiences you shared with them. The laughter and sense of light they brought to the centre is something we should all strive to keep in our lives.

'Goodbye Alex and Sarah. We hope you're still climbing mountains somewhere.'