The Ministry of Defence says two of the three people who died after an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands were RAF personnel. Rimon Than, 33, a squadron leader and Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, 32, were two of the victims.
Colleagues paid tribute to Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, one of three RAF personnel killed by an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands on Thursday. The 32-year-old, originally from Dulverton, Somerset, had been in the RAF for 12 years.
Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps was an exceptionally dedicated Royal Air Force Officer and Logistician who was well known throughout the Service for her remarkable commitment, her joie de vivre and her utter professionalism.
Fran achieved success wherever she served most recently receiving a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation for her professional excellence, confidence and ‘can-do’ approach in Al Udeid. From Basrah to Kandahar to the Falkland Islands, Fran’s boundless spirit and energy has shone through.
– Group Captain Dominic Toriati, the Station Commander at Royal Air Force Odiham
Fran was an exceptional person toknow, having unbounded passion and energy and being loved by everyone on the Squadron. Her loss will be felt across the whole Logistics Community and wider.
One of three people killed in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands on Thursday was named by the Ministry of Defence as Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, 32.
Tributes have been paid to RAF Squadron Leader Rimon Than who was killed in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands yesterday.
He was passionate about mountaineering and his death is a tragedy. He was well respected and popular, and will be sorely missed by all personnel at RAF Valley. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
– Group Captain Adrian Hill, his station commander at Royal Air Force Valley
Sqn Ldr Andy Grieve, a deputy senior medical officer at RAF Valley, described Sqn Ldr Than - who joined as a medical cadet in 2001 - as a "dear friend".
We were passionate about the same things - adventure, the hills, pre-hospital care, the RAF and medicine.
He gave and took so much from his career in the Royal Air Force and certainly lived his life to the full. No doubt he will be smiling down on us all. I will miss him terribly.
Police seeking next of kin after Scotland avalanche
Northern Constabulary are still attempting to trace all next of kin and said that until this has been done there will be no further information issued.
Three people have now died after the avalanche in Scotland's Cairngorm Mountains.
A third person has died following an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands, the Northern Constabulary said.
The man was airlifted from the Chalamain Gap area of the Cairngorms to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he died as a result of his injuries, police said.
