Maria Eftimova was more than just a travel influencer—she was a fearless adventurer, a passionate civil engineer, and a soul driven by the need to experience life beyond boundaries. Born in Bulgaria and based in the United Kingdom, Maria captivated thousands with her breathtaking photos, daring climbs, and candid glimpses into her life as a modern explorer. Her untimely death at the age of 28 during a mountaineering accident in Wales sent ripples through the global travel community, reminding us all of the fine line between adventure and risk, and the courage it takes to live fully.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Maria Eftimova |
| Date of Birth | 1996 (exact date not publicly disclosed) |
| Date of Death | February 22, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 28 years |
| Place of Birth | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Nationality | Bulgarian |
| Hometown | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Current Residence | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Ethnicity | Eastern European (Bulgarian) |
| Profession(s) | Civil Engineer, Travel Influencer, Outdoor Enthusiast |
| Education | University of Salford, Manchester, UK |
| Degree | BSc in Civil Engineering |
| Languages Spoken | Bulgarian (native), English (fluent) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Known For | Extreme hiking, solo mountain climbing, adventure content |
| Passions | Mountaineering, Snowboarding, Solo Travel, Nature Exploration |
| Popular Platforms | Instagram, TikTok |
| Instagram Handle | @mariaeftimova (exact username to be verified) |
| TikTok Handle | Possibly active (exact username not confirmed) |
| Famous Expeditions | Mount Tryfan (Wales), the Austrian Alps (planned), various European hiking destinations |
| Cause of Death | Accidental fall during solo climb on Tryfan Mountain, Snowdonia, Wales |
| Body Repatriated To | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Memorial Activity | Fundraiser for funeral/repatriation and tributes from followers & friends |
Early Life & Education
Maria Eftimova was born in 1996 in Sofia, Bulgaria, where her love for nature and the outdoors began at a young age. From hiking the Balkan trails to exploring the peaks of Bulgaria’s mountain ranges, she was always drawn to the thrill of natural landscapes.
Her academic path led her to the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, where she pursued a degree in Civil Engineering. This field, deeply connected with building and understanding structures, complemented her fascination with the earth’s terrains. Maria seamlessly blended her profession with her passions, often referring to herself as an “engineer by day and mountaineer by heart.”
Rise as a Travel Influencer
Maria’s social media journey began as a personal travel journal but quickly grew bigger. With stunning visuals from snow-covered peaks, rugged trails, and alpine lakes, she amassed a following on Instagram and TikTok, where she shared travel tips, gear reviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from her excursions.
Her authenticity set her apart in a sea of influencers. Rather than staging content, she focused on storytelling—sharing both the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of her outdoor pursuits. She often documented solo hikes, winter sports adventures, and extreme weather expeditions, encouraging women and young travelers to break out of their comfort zones.
Love for Adventure and the Outdoors
Maria had a special connection with the mountains. Her content often featured difficult terrains, solo snowboarding trips, and alpine challenges. She was particularly drawn to climbing and was known for tackling some of the most technically challenging routes across Europe.
Her courage wasn’t limited to physical endurance—Maria also spoke about mental health, the need to disconnect from digital distractions, and the empowerment that comes from achieving difficult goals.
Tragic Demise on Tryfan Mountain
On February 22, 2025, during a solo climb on the north ridge of Tryfan, one of the most perilous peaks in Wales, Maria tragically fell around 65 feet while trying to reach a ledge. Fellow climbers and mountain rescue teams made immediate efforts, but she died on-site due to severe injuries.
The news shocked her followers and the global adventure community. Maria’s death served as a somber reminder of the real dangers that lie within extreme exploration—yet also highlighted the undying spirit of those who choose to live boldly.
Legacy and Tributes
Following her passing, social media was flooded with tributes from friends, fans, and fellow travelers. Her best friend, Megan Griffiths, described her as a woman who “lived life to the fullest—kind, free-spirited, and inspiring.” A fundraising campaign launched in her name helped repatriate her remains to Bulgaria and offered support to her family.
Maria’s legacy lives on through her photographs, writings, and the courage she instilled in others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Interesting Facts About Maria Eftimova
- Engineer-Turned-Explorer: Maria held a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Salford, yet she chose to follow her passion for the outdoors, balancing a technical profession with a life of travel.
- Fearless Solo Adventurer: Many of her expeditions, including challenging hikes and climbs, were done solo. She often shared safety tips for women traveling alone in remote areas.
- Minimalist Traveler: Maria often traveled with only the essentials—her posts emphasized living simply and connecting deeply with nature rather than luxury or comfort.
- Authenticity Over Aesthetics: Unlike many influencers who polished their posts for brand appeal, Maria’s content was known for being raw, real, and personal—showing both triumphs and challenges.
- Climbed Tryfan Solo: Maria tragically lost her life while climbing the north ridge of Tryfan Mountain in Wales, one of the UK’s most challenging peaks.
- Inspiration to Many: Her fearless lifestyle and messages of mental strength and self-discovery inspired many young women around the world to pursue travel and adventure independently.
- Legacy Lives On: Even after her passing, Maria’s social media pages continue to attract tributes from fans and travelers moved by her spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Maria Eftimova?
Maria Eftimova was a Bulgarian civil engineer and popular travel influencer known for her adventurous solo expeditions and raw travel storytelling.
2. How did Maria Eftimova die?
She died on February 22, 2025, after falling from the north ridge of Tryfan Mountain in Snowdonia, Wales, during a solo climb.
3. What made her travel content unique?
Her content stood out for its authenticity, personal reflections, and minimalist approach to adventure. She often tackled harsh terrains alone and shared unfiltered experiences.
4. Where did she study?
She studied Civil Engineering at the University of Salford in Manchester, United Kingdom.
5. Was Maria Eftimova traveling full-time?
While she had a background in engineering, she frequently traveled and created content as a part-time influencer, merging her professional life with her outdoor lifestyle.
6. Did she have a large social media following?
Yes, she had a steadily growing fan base on Instagram and TikTok, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and female solo travelers.
7. What is her lasting impact?
Maria inspired a generation of young travelers to embrace nature, confront fear, and live authentically—even when it meant taking risks.
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