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The devastated wife of an Australian man who died in a horrific rock-climbing accident has written a heartbreaking letter to her late husband.
Daniel Heritage, 28, died Wednesday in the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, just months after traveling with his wife Emma.
Ms Heritage witnessed the accident and held her husband in her arms when he died. On Monday, she honored her “best friend” with an emotional tribute.
“You were my best friend, love of my life and adventure buddy,” she wrote.
The devastated wife of an Adelaide man who died in a mountaineering horror accident has written a heartbreaking letter to her husband (pictured, Mrs Heritage on her wedding day)
Daniel Heritage, 28, died in the Rocky Mountains in Calgary on Wednesday, just months after traveling with his wife Emma.
“Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life and helping me realize that I was capable of more than I think.
“Thank you for inviting me into your world where anything was possible and every day was an opportunity for a new adventure.
“My heart longs for you and I would do anything to dance slowly to our wedding song, joke together, explore the world or read books/movies together in silence.”
Ms Heritage wrote that although she was upset that she would no longer grow old with her husband, she felt privileged to have known him.
“You were the best husband I could have ever asked for and while I don’t know what the future holds for me right now, I do know that you had a great last few months,” the letter continued.
“You were very much loved by so many people who had just met you and by those who were lucky enough to have known you for years.
“I love you now and forever. Your wife, Emma.’
The couple, who recently celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary, have been hiking, camping and climbing the Canadian Rockies since March.
Ms Heritage wrote that although she was upset she would no longer grow old with her late husband Daniel (pictured), she felt privileged to have known him
The couple, who recently celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary, have been hiking, camping and climbing the Canadian Rockies since March.
The final shots of the hiking vacation photos show Mr Heritage climbing a frozen waterfall and watching the sunset with wild deer at Sundance Canyon.
The couple had planned to stay in Canada for two years before the trip was tragically cut short and had built a house in the Adelaide suburb of Valley View.
They were passionate about the outdoors and were constantly planning new adventures, Jessica Bartel, Ms Heritage’s twin sister, previously told The Advertiser.
Ms Bartel said Daniel was one of the most ambitious people she had ever known and that she felt particularly close to him because she and her sister are twins.
Daniel Heritage photographs rock climbing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
The final shots of the hiking holiday photos show Mr Heritage (pictured) climbing a frozen waterfall and watching the sunset with wild deer at Sundance Canyon
“He felt like my brother long before they got married,” she said.
“One of the things I liked most about him was the way he took care of others.
“You always felt heard by him.”
Ms Heritage’s father has flown to Canada to support her as she prepares to fly back to Australia while Mr Heritage’s older sister Brianna pays tribute to her brother.
“Even though you were younger, you were always the one who took care of me. You inspired me to be more than I was,” she wrote.
“When I was sad, you let me crawl into your bed. When I was down, you always knew what to say. You’re still the person I turn to for advice.’
His younger sister Rebecca said he had “lived his best life in Canada.
“You were the best big brother I could have ever wished for,” she said.
Ms Heritage’s father has flown to Canada to support her as she prepares to fly back to Australia
Ms. Bartel, Ms. Heritage’s twin sister, has set up a GoFundMe page for the couple to help cover funeral and other expenses
Mrs. Bartel, Mrs. Heritage’s twin sister, has a GoFundMe page for the couple to cover funeral expenses and other expenses.
“There’s no pressure to give at all, we just wanted to pave the way for those people who wanted to give,” she wrote.
We wanted to thank everyone for your kind words, love and support so far during this challenging time.
“Please continue to pray for Emma and our families as we process this lifelong grief.”
The fundraiser has surpassed its $10,000 goal with over $30,000 raised.