A UK influencer has died after plunging to his death whilst attempting to climb Spain’s tallest bridge without safety equipment. Lewis Stevenson, 26, accepted the challenge despite his family’s warnings not to scale Talavera de la Reina’s 630-foot Castilla La Mancha, it’s said.
On Sunday, he attempted to capture a daring photo for his social media accounts but fell to his death, reports the Mirror. Lewis’ family say he “did what he did for his own pleasure,” as evidenced by the numerous photos on his Instagram page of him posing atop large skyscrapers and other enormous landmarks in New York City and other places around the world.
However, his family has been left devastated by his passing. Savannah Parker, his girlfriend, described her partner’s death as “a nightmare” on social media as she expressed her grief over the incident. Lewis’ grandfather, Clifford Stevenson, 70, said: “We all tried to talk him out of it. We were always trying to talk him out of doing things but that was the way he was.
“He loved doing it, always went out there believing he’d be alright. He did what he did for his own pleasure. He did not get any money for it, he was an adventurer.”
Lewis’ daredevil antics helped him rack up followers on social media. Many of his fans expressed their sadness at his death.
One posted on Instagram: “Knowing you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And losing you is the greatest sadness of my life. No amount of words on a stupid Instagram post will ever describe how much I miss you.
“You will always be the bravest, most caring and funny person I’ve ever known. I’m proud of every building, every rooftop, every moment of our time together. My best friend, my brother. Rest easy, we’ll meet again one day.”
Posting a photo of Lewis sitting on a New York City skyscraper, another climber wrote: “In the past seven years you introduced me to a new understanding of freedom, which changed my perspective on life massively, giving me guidance on my own creative work always motivating me and inspiring me through your own creative consistency. I’m forever thankful for the opportunities you gave me and the people you introduced me too.”
Posting about the tragic news, Ms Parker, from Derby, wrote: “It’s 5am and I haven’t eaten or slept. Someone tell me this is a nightmare. I feel violently sick at the fact you’re not coming back. Please come back. Answer the phone.”
Climbing structures without harnesses is a risky craze, which has become more popular due to people sharing their pictures on social media. Lewis showcased some of his “rooftoping” around the world on his Instagram page.
Dizzying photos of Stevenson atop a New York City skyscraper and resting on a metal beam overlooking the London were among those shared by Stevenson. Other photos showed the daredevil hanging from a structure in Croatia and a hotel roof in Mexico City.
But the tourist was discovered dead below the bridge in Spain on Sunday. It is unclear how high Lewis got up the structure when he lost his balance, but the peak of the bridge is an imposing 630ft. Authorities say they continue to investigate the tragedy.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.