The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died after falling down a cliff on Hornby Island on May 19, 2012.

The deceased has been identified as Donna Anne Whittome, aged 70, a resident of Nanaimo.

Mrs. Whittome was with family and friends in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island on the afternoon of May 19. The group was walking along a trail that rose above a cliff face approximately 15 metres high. Mrs. Whittome was witnessed to lose her balance and fall, landing on rocks at the bottom of the cliff face.

Mrs. Whittome's family has been notified of her death. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to Ms. Whittome's family and friends, and its thanks for the assistance of the Comox Valley RCMP detachment, RCMP marine unit, Canadian Coast Guard and BC Ambulance Service air ambulance.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133