Woman in her 80s plunges 70ft to her death in front of husband in disused quarry where Star Wars & Doctor Who filmed
A PENSIONER has plunged 70ft to her death off a disused quarry in front of her husband.
The woman, in her 80s, tragically lost her balance and slipped over a drastic drop while walking with her partner along the South West Coast Path, Dorset.
Masses of emergency services rushed to Winspit Quarry, including three coastguard crews, on Saturday around 2pm.
Despite medics’ best efforts, the OAP, from Poole who has not yet been named, was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood the married couple were seasoned walkers.
But coastguards said the “tragic accident” happened on a path just a couple of metres from the edge.
Cops said the woman’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Dorset Police received a report at 2.03pm on Saturday from the ambulance service relating to of a woman in need of medical attention in the area of Winspit Road at Worth Matravers.
“Officers attended and very sadly the woman, aged in her 80s and from Poole, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. The woman’s family has been notified and the coroner has been informed.
“Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
A coastguard spokesperson added: “She was walking with her husband along the South West Coast Path when she slipped and fell 60-70ft at Winspit Quarry on to hard ground.
“I believe they were regular walkers and the path is a couple of metres from the edge.
“The ground is good and solid there so it appears to be a tragic accident.”
Swanage Fire Station said: “One crew was sent to Worth Matravers for a multi-agency incident involving a person falling from height.
“Unfortunately, the person passed away on scene and thoughts are with their family at this time.”
Winspit Quarry was used until 1940.
During World War II, it was a military defence site before opening to the public and is now owned by the National Trust.
The abandoned quarry has previously been used for filming in hits such as Doctor Who and the first series of Disney’s Star Wars special Andor.
However, filming was cancelled last year over fears the quarry was unstable.