Tragic death of kayaker leaves family 'with huge void' in lives

THE grieving family of a young student killed in a kayaking accident in the Highlands have described how her death has left a massive void in their lives.

Emily Parker, 20, died on Tuesday when her kayak overturned in the swollen waters of the River Coe in Glencoe during a trip down the river with friends.

Her friends made a desperate attempt to reach Ms Parker after her kayak overturned but she was swept away in a torrent of water.

Her body was later recovered from the river as a Royal Navy helicopter joined members of the Glencoe mountain rescue team, coastguards and police officers in the search.

Ms Parker, from Doncaster, was in the final year of a psychology degree course at Leeds University and was an experienced kayaker who had also excelled at rifle shooting.

Her family said: "Emily had such a vibrant personality and was always full of love for life.

"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."

They added: "Emily always had a big smile, often described as 'lighting up a room'. Her tragic death has left a huge void and we cannot imagine life without her."

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said a report on the circumstances surrounding Ms Parker's death would be submitted to the procurator-fiscal.