Majorca floods: Tributes paid to 'wonderful' British hiker and boyfriend killed on holiday

Sarah Jane Thompson and Alex Barrett were found dead following a huge search and rescue operation on the island of Majorca, at the Torrent de Pareis area, located in the Tramuntana mountain range

Tributes have been paid to a 'wonderful' British couple who died on holiday in Majorca.

Sarah Jane Thompson and Alex Barrett were found after floods on September 3 sparked a huge search and rescue operation on the Spanish island. Sarah, who lived in Levenshulme, Manchester, was found dead in the Torrent de Pareis region of the Tramuntana mountain range on September 4. The search continued for Alex, who was last seen desperately trying to save his girlfriend from the sudden floods.

On September 6, a spokesman from the Civil Guard confirmed that the body of a young man who matched Alex's description had been found. A total of 10 people were rescued amid the worst of the flooding on September 3, reports Manchester Evening News.

Stockport rock climbing gym Awesome Walls, where Alex worked as an instructor, paid tribute to the couple. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday. 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."

"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 peoples 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."

Sarah's former employer, The Good Rebel bar in Stockport, shared another emotional tribute. They said: "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 2 years ago, Sarah was and still is a very big part of The Good Rebel, being with us from day 1 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. 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."

The Tramuntana mountain range, where the couple were hiking, has a large riverbed that can be walked across during the dry months. But it can suddenly transform into a dangerous torrent during flash flooding, as it gathers a large amount of rainwater that falls on the mountain and funnels it down the valley. The couple are said to have been on a hiking expedition when Sarah was swept away by flash floods, with other hikers reporting that Alexander was carried away in the moments that followed as he attempted to rescue her.