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Woman, 27, plunges 100ft to her death at Sri Lanka waterfall in front of her friend

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Kithal Ella waterfall near Ella, Sri Lanka, where Valentina Stragliotto, a digital marketing specialist who had moved to Brighton from northern Italy, lost her balance on a boulder and plunged 30 metres to her death.
Kithal Ella waterfall near Ella, Sri Lanka, where Valentina Stragliotto, a digital marketing specialist who had moved to Brighton from northern Italy, lost her balance on a boulder and plunged 30 metres to her death.

Valentina Stragliotto, a Brighton-based digital marketing specialist from Italy, died on 24 September after losing her balance on a boulder at Kithal Ella waterfall near Ella, Sri Lanka, and plunging more than 30 metres onto rocks below. She was taken to Demodara Hospital by rescuers but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her horrified friend watched helplessly as she fell. Ella Police have opened an investigation into how she died.

Valentina had visited 33 countries, spoke four languages, and had written: 'My place is in nature. I love hiking and climbing and I especially love waterfalls.'

Originally from Bassano del Grappa in northern Italy, she had made Brighton her home and built a career as a senior SEO and online advertising specialist.

She also ran Aligned & Free, a coaching business focused on helping clients conquer self-doubt, and had served on the British Interactive Media Association's Young Talent Council.

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