TRIBUTES have been paid to a Cornish woman who died in blizzard conditions during an ill-fated expedition in the Chilean national park of Torres del Paine.

Victoria Bond, from Newquay, was in a group visiting the popular hiking hotspot in Patagonia and completing the famous O Circuit. Two German and two Mexican nationals also died in the snowstorm close to the John Garner Pass, the highest point on the circuit at about 4,000ft. Four others were found alive.

Ms Bond, 40, was a public relations specialist who had worked extensively in luxury fashion, lifestyle and travel. Her clients included Visit Isles of Scilly, with whom she had worked for over six years.

Chairman Andrew Sells paid tribute: “Victoria was always full of charisma, charm and had an amazing passion for life and Scilly. Her can-do, never-say-no attitude and infectious laugh were adored by all who knew her.

“She worked tirelessly to promote the Isles of Scilly and was an integral part of our small team. She was always a joy to work with, and I cannot praise her work too highly. She is an enormous loss to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Executive vice chair Euan Rodger said he had communicated by text with Ms Bond the night before she set off on the fateful trek. “Victoria brought life, energy and an infectious enthusiasm to every project, making her a true joy to work alongside,” he added. “She was a good colleague and a great friend. We were all very fond of her and are just trying to process the news.”

Ms Bond was a former pupil at Truro High School for Girls from the age of five. A spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of former pupil Victoria. Our whole Truro High community holds her family and friends in our thoughts at this heartbreaking time.

“There are still members of staff here today who remember her vividly as a lovely, bright young girl whose bubbly personality, warm smile and zest for life lit up every room she entered.

“She lived next door to a family member of our retired history teacher, who said, ‘She was still the bubbly chatty girl I remember from all those years ago - life for her was fun, and you felt she would live it to the full and be successful, even if her homework was sometimes late! I am so sorry her life was cut short by what should have been an incredible adventure.’”

The spokesperson continued: “She will be remembered with great affection as a spirited, generous-hearted pupil and as a cherished member of our school’s history. We extend our deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved her.”

The Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) issued a statement expressing “deep regret” for the tragedy and confirmed the affected section of the O Circuit had been closed and an investigation opened into the incident.