‘Lovely soul’: Tributes flow for Angela Ha, 24, killed after falling off Mount Arapiles
A hiker who died after falling off a mountain in western Victoria is being remembered as a strong and adventurous person with a heart of gold.
Angela Ha, 24, fell off the Organ Pipes section while on a 10-day hike with a group of friends on Mount Arapiles on Monday, April 27.
He was craned down from the mountain by helicopters and taken to Alfred Hospital.
The woman, who suffered serious injuries to her upper body, clung to life for 10 hours while her family ran from their home in Sydney to Melbourne.
His younger sister Michelle and father Daniel arrived at Alfred at 10.30pm but he died about 50 minutes before they arrived.
Michelle said she felt like Angela was resisting until her family arrived from Sydney, but it was too late.
“Deep down, he knew we were coming and wanted to stay, but he couldn’t stand the bedtime, which was always before 10pm,” he said, according to the Herald Sun newspaper.
“He would be very, very tired from the big day.”
The oldest of four children, Angela loved the outdoors and moved to the Blue Mountains to have access to the mountains.
He had already completed an architecture degree and was preparing to complete his Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney.
In a GoFundMe campaign launched by her aunt My Ha, the 24-year-old girl hoped that her diploma would help “injured rock climbers and others.”
Her sister Michelle said Angela was “mentally and physically the strongest person I know.”
She said their father sat in the hospital “crying but smiling” and was “grateful that he passed away doing what he loved.”
“He got to have his last memory doing what he loved most and being surrounded by the people he loved,” he said.
Angela Ha Memorial Group, a Facebook group founded in Angela’s memory, has more than 180 members and has become a space for loved ones to share photos, memories and memories of the 24-year-old artist.
Some described her as “a brave, independent girl who dared to live her life passionately.”
Another wrote: “She was truly a lovely soul; so simple, kind and full of grace.”
“Angela always carried herself with such warmth and kindness. Her beautiful smile and pleasant nature made every interaction with her so special.
“He had a quiet strength, an adventurous spirit, and a way of making people feel at ease.”
