Christchurch lawyer Lee Lee Heah has died after a cliff fall in Australia. Photo / Instagram
A well-known Christchurch defence lawyer who died while climbing in Australia has been remembered as “a fierce lover of life and adventure”.
Lee Lee Heah died yesterday in a climbing accident while on Eskimo Nell at Arapiles National Park in Victoria.
The 69-year-old barrister was admitted to the bar in 1986 and was known to many in the Christchurch legal fraternity and beyond.
“Lee Lee Heah was a fierce lover of life and adventure,” said one friend.
“What a beautiful inspiring soul. I will miss your infectious laugh and your fabulous sense of humour. You are loved by many.”
Another said: “Such sad news. You really were such a beautiful person. Always smiling. So friendly and adventurous.”
Criminal Bar Association Canterbury president Nicola Hansen told the Herald of Heah’s significant contribution to the legal profession and community, particularly in helping young lawyers.
“Lee Lee was a fierce advocate, utterly unflappable in court, and represented her clients with unwavering determination,” she said.
“Her adventures outside the courtroom were legendary and awe-inspiring, a true testament to her bravery and indomitable spirit.
“Lee Lee was a much-loved member of the criminal bar and her loss will be felt immensely.”
RNZ reported that recreational climbers were the first to respond after Heah’s fall.
Mount Arapiles is a renowned rock-climbing destination, attracting outdoor climbers from across the world.
The lawyer fell as she scaled the final section of a climb.
Emergency services were called around 3.30pm.
Climbing veteran Zorba Parer told ABC in Australia that he heard a cry and went to help.
He free-climbed 80 metres without a harness and rope and was the first person to reach Heah, while two other climbers followed him.
Another two climbers went to the top to drop a rappel line and abseiled down 30 metres.
Parer said it took him 20 minutes to reach the deceased climber.
He then brought Heah’s belay partner up and, together with the four other climbers, commenced CPR on her until paramedics arrived.
He estimated the helicopter arrived about 20 minutes after that.
While Parer was not able to help Heah, he was glad to assist her belayer and help emergency services find her.
“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,” he said.
Heah’s death has been referred to the coroner in Victoria.
Tributes are flowing for Heah, including from the Criminal Bar Association and law community.
Anna Leask is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 18 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.