Gigi Wu, the 36-year-old Taiwanese mountaineer known as the 'Bikini Hiker', died from hypothermia after falling 100ft (30m) into a gorge during a solo trek in Yushan National Park. Her body was recovered 43 hours after she made a distress call on January 19, 2019.
Fatal fall on Batongguan Historic Trail
Wu, a New Taipei City native, entered Nantou County on January 11, 2019, planning to hike the Batongguan Historic Trail until January 24. On January 19, she fell into a ravine, injuring her lower body and leaving her unable to move. She called a friend for help using her satellite phone.
Captain Chang Ching-piao of the Nantou County Government Fire Station told CNN that Wu had called a friend after the fall. Sports Illustrated identified the friend as Alex Yang, a construction materials salesman she had met while climbing Jade Mountain, Taiwan's tallest peak.
Rescue attempts hampered by weather
Rescuers knew Wu's exact location thanks to her quick thinking, but poor weather conditions delayed access. The National Airborne Service Corps attempted to dispatch Black Hawk rescue helicopters three times, but each attempt was turned back by the weather. Yang continued sending Wu text updates and assurances, but her responses stopped.
Two search and rescue teams, each with three members, were sent on foot. They found Wu's body around midday on January 21, 2019, using her distress beacon. Authorities believed she died from hypothermia, as night-time temperatures in the region fell to 2C. Wu had expected to begin her descent three days later and was nearing the end of her 3,109m climb.
A record of 100 peaks in four years
Wu had climbed more than 100 peaks in four years, wearing at least 97 bikinis at the summits. The idea reportedly came from losing a bet with a friend. In a 2018 interview with local channel FTV, she said: "I put on a bikini in each one of the 100 mountains. I only have around 97 bikinis so I accidentally repeated some." Asked about her motives, she replied: "It just looks so beautiful, what's not to like?"
By July 2016, Wu had summited all 100 peaks in Taiwan measuring at least 3,000 metres. She was an experienced hiker who used proper equipment and precautions, though she had suffered a previous fall on Christmas Eve 2018, posting a picture of her bruised legs and calling it a lucky escape.
At the time of her death, Wu had between 14,000 and 18,000 followers. Hundreds left condolences on her last posts. One follower wrote: "Gigi, thank you for filling us all with happiness - I wish you happy travels." Another posted: "Beautiful and brave little G… thank you for letting everyone see your beautiful scenic photos." Her final post, on January 18, showed a view from a mountain above the clouds.
