Top lawyer dies while climbing Mount Arapiles in western Victoria

A top barrister from New Zealand has died after falling eight metres from a world renowned rock climbing spot in Australia.

Tributes have poured in for a top New Zealand lawyer who died when rock climbing at Mount Arapiles in western Victoria.

Lee Lee Heah, a reputable barrister from Christchurch, fell eight metres from the final section of the climb known as Eskimo Nell.

Emergency services were called around 3.30pm, however the 69-year-old was confirmed dead by the time paramedics were able to get to her, Country Fire Authority (CFA) assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning confirmed.

Veteran climber Zorba Parer, who was visiting the world renowned rock climbing spot separately to Ms Heah, free-climbed 80 metres without a rope to reach Ms Heath after he heard a cry.

Lee Lee Heah, 69, a reputable lawyer from Christchurch, NZ, died while climbing Mount Arapiles in western Victoria. Picture: Instagram/mike_heah

Two other climbers also followed him, while another pair went to the top to drop a rappel line and abseiled down 30 metres, according to the ABC.

“I could see a body wedged in the crack which didn’t look good, it looked like she had fallen directly on the ledge,” Mr Parer told the publication.

“I scrambled up and checked on her, there was no pulse.”

Mr Parer said it took him 20 minutes to reach Ms Heah.

She fell eight metres from the final section of the climb known as Eskimo Nell.

He said he pulled up the woman’s belay partner up and together with the four other climbers, commenced CPR on Ms Heah until paramedics arrived.

He estimated the helicopter arrived about 20 minutes after that.

“I didn’t know the lady … I think it’s always easier than if you have a personal connection with someone … I certainly won’t forget her now,” Mr Parer told the ABC.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Ms Heah has been remembered as a “beautiful, inspiring soul” and having an “infectious laugh”.

Tributes have poured in for the barrister who has been remembered as a ‘beautiful, inspiring soul’. Picture: Instagram

Her brother Mike Heah shared a heartbreaking Instagram post on Ms Heah.

“Sadness, I lost my dear younger sister Lee Lee in a rock climbing expedition while ascending Mount Arapiles, Victoria, Australia,” he wrote.

“She was well known for her rock climbing skills, having scaled many mountains in all parts of the world. Please pray for her. May she rest in eternal peace.”

A friend of Ms Heah said she was a “fierce lover of life and adventure”.

“What a beautiful inspiring soul!! I will miss your infectious laugh and your fabulous sense of humour. You are loved by many!”

Ms Heah was admitted to the bar in 1986 and was known to many in the Christchurch legal fraternity and beyond.

President of the Canterbury branch of the Criminal Bar Association, Nicola Hansen, said Ms Heah was “a fierce advocate, utterly unflappable in court, and represented her clients with unwavering determination”.

“Her adventures outside the courtroom were legendary and awe inspiring, a true testament to her bravery and indomitable spirit.”

Victoria’s SES said that in the past 12 months, they had assisted emergency services in 11 rescues at Mount Arapiles.

The last death from a fall at Mount Arapiles was in 2014.