Lack of tramping experience proved fatal for US exchange student

Ally Willen died on the Young Valley walking track after becoming separated from other trampers. Photo / supplied

Severe weather, fatigue and lack of tramping experience have been highlighted as factors in the death of a US exchange student in the Mt Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps.

At an inquest in Queenstown this morning, Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar heard evidence from police search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Aaron Nicholson, of Wanaka, who stated that the most likely scenario was that Allison Willen slipped and fell into a flooded Young River in April this year.

The 20-year-old also, known as Ally, was found dead in the Young Valley in Makarora on May 2, having become separated from her tramping party on the Gillespie Pass, between Young and Wilkin valleys, on April 25.

Mr Nicholson said Ms Willen had limited tramping experience, and the trio collectively lacked the experience to deal with the "group dynamics" that developed.

Ms Willen's two companions on the tramping trip, Ellen Stone and Kirsten Kampmeier, both 20, live in the United States and did not attend the inquest, nor was Ms Willen's family represented.

Mr Nicholson read statements from both women that described how the trio became separated as a result of different walking speeds, fatigue and deteriorating weather.

Mr Crerar's formal written finding has been reserved.

An inquest will be held for this afternoon for Scott James Oliver (41), of Wellington, whose body was found on the Wilkin River on January 23 this year.