The British scientist found dead at the bottom of a ravine on a Greek island died instantly from a fall, a Greek coroner said on Thursday.

Natalie Christopher, 34, was discovered on Wednesday morning on the Greek island of Ikaria, which she was visiting on holiday.

Miss Christopher, an astrophysicist and avid trail runner who lived in Cyprus, had set off for a run from their hotel, her boyfriend said. The area has trails along steep cliffs and ravines, and Miss Christopher was found at the bottom of a 65-foot ravine.

Vangelis Kriaras, a volunteer, told local TV that rescue workers had come close the site “at least twice before”, but because of its inaccessibility had failed to spot her.

It was only when one volunteer walked through the gorge that her body was discovered, hidden beneath a boulder.