A heartbroken mother has paid tribute to a young photographer who died attempting to climb Spain’s highest bridge. Lewis Stevenson, 26, died while scaling the 630ft-high Castilla La Mancha bridge in Talavera de la Reina on Sunday (October 13).
In a statement to Derbyshire Live, his mother Keilia said: “Lewis was my boy, my world and my biggest achievement. He was happy and ambitious in life. He was a thrill seeker who loved to travel and have new experiences.”
She also said that “life will not be the same again” following his death. Despite her reservations about the risks he took for his photography passion, Keilia acknowledged it was his “passion”.
She added: “We, as a whole family, supported his adventures around the world, which included amazing places he got to visit like Easter Island and Machu Picchu, but unfortunately, those adventures also included climbing great heights, which we didn’t particularly agree with but understood this was what he loved to do. He knew his limits and never did anything beyond them.
“He was a keen photographer and he did this all for passion not as an influencer. There will forever be a hole in our hearts and life will not be the same again.
“We are absolutely devastated by this tragic accident and ask people to please be respectful whilst we grieve”, she added. Stevenson’s Instagram remains a testament to his love for heights.
It showcases photos from on top of skyscrapers and structures worldwide, in places such as New York City and the City of London.
Other photos show him hanging from a structure in Croatia and a hotel roof in Mexico City.
His adventurous spirit has now left a void in his family, with heartfelt tributes from his girlfriend and grandfather earlier on Wednesday (October 16).
Officials are looking into the circumstances of his death.