A British traveller, celebrated for her adventurous spirit, has been tragically killed in northern New South Wales after being crushed by her own vehicle during a severe tropical cyclone.
A Life of Adventure Cut Short
Eleanor 'Ellie' Thompson, 35, was found dead beneath her van near the town of Mullumbimby on March 11. The discovery was made by concerned friends after she failed to arrive for her shift at a local pub where she had been working while exploring Australia.
An inquest held at Ruthin Coroner’s Court in Wales heard that the region was being battered by severe weather from Tropical Cyclone Alfred at the time of her death. A police report presented to the court stated, "Although no causal link can be drawn, it’s of significance that at the time of her passing an unprecedented and severe tropical cyclone was impacting the region."
Remembering a Free Spirit
Originally from Mold, Flintshire, Miss Thompson had built a life in London over 12 years, working in insurance, marketing, and events for prestigious firms including Apple TV and the Groucho Club. However, she later embarked on a solo journey, travelling through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam in 2022 before arriving in Australia in 2023.
Her father, Peter Thompson, paid a moving tribute during the inquest, describing his daughter as "full of adventure and movement." He added, "Ellie made everyone feel seen and valued." Her last contact with her mother, Amanda Thompson, was on March 9, just three days before she was found.
The Tragic Accident
Friends discovered Miss Thompson's van off a driveway, wedged in thick vegetation. A post-mortem examination concluded that she died from multiple injuries.
Authorities believe the vehicle may have rolled or slid forward due to the slope or the extremely wet weather, noting that the handbrake had not been applied. Her father expressed the family's ongoing struggle with the "unanswered element" of why Ellie was in front of the van when it moved.
Coroner John Gittins recorded a verdict of accidental death, offering his condolences to the family and stating, "You must be incredibly proud... She lived her life to the fullest."
