Fiancée's heartbreaking facebook message to partner killed in rock climbing accident

The fiancée of a former Royal Marine who died in a climbing accident in the French Alps has posted a heartfelt message celebrating their love on facebook.

Duncan Potts died on Wednesday as he climbed the Dent du Geant mountain in the Mont Blanc range near Chamonix.

The 28-year-old, who recently became engaged, was with a friend when a rock came loose in his hands and he fell around ten feet, the Telegraph reported.

The rock hit him on the head and shoulders and despite a mountain rescue team reaching him, he died at the scene.

Mr Potts, from Coldridge, near Crediton, had recently left the Royal Marines and last month got engaged to equine vet April Lawson (pictured on Ms Lawson's facebook).

He was an experienced rock climber and mountaineer, having previously undertaken Alpine expeditions including an ascent of the Matterhorn in Switzerland last summer.

He had recently left the Royal Marines and last month got engaged to equine vet April Lawson, who changed her Facebook profile picture to a photo of the two of them following his death.

In her post, Ms Lawson said:

"I love you so much. I always will love you and you will remain in my heart forever. You mean the world to me and are my life.

"As we have always said, it was fate that brought us together. You are my soulmate Mr Potts and I was so lucky to find you. People go their whole lives not meeting their one true love. I'm truly grateful for the time we had together. My kindhearted, handsome gentleman.

"You made me the happiest girl in the world in Rome when you asked me to marry you. I will treasure our memories and my beautiful engagement ring forever. I can't believe the effort you went to have the most perfect ring made. I was so looking forward to our life together and becoming a member of the Potts family. It would have been an honour to be a part of your beautiful family.

"I am so happy to have met and been a part of such a lovely group of friends you have too. My thoughts are with your family and friends that all love you dearly. It's overwhelming and comforting to know you had touched the hearts of so many.

"I am astonished by the amount you have achieved in only 28years. A Royal Marine serving in active operations around the globe. Qualifying as a Royal Marine's Mountain Leader & ISTAR operator. And much more. Climbing and surfing all over the world too with your closest friends. But climbing the Matterhorn was such a proud moment. You amazed me with all your musical (guitar, piano, saxophone), skiing, climbing, surfing talent (and most recently horse riding).

"I love the enthusiasm you had for starting education in September and drive to pursue Physiotherapy. You are such a strong and brave man.

"I miss you and want cuddles please. I hope you were happy Duncan because I was so happy with you.

" 'Cuddles, kisses and tell me you love me'

"I will always love you Duncan Potts to the moon and back."

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Mr Potts' younger brother, Andy, paid tribute to him on Facebook, saying: "It's really starting to hit home how much and widely he is going to be missed. I'm still struggling to come to terms with the fact that my big brother is no longer with us."

Colonel Kevin Oliver, from the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon, paid tribute to him on behalf of the marines.
He said: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Duncan Potts, an ex member of the Royal Marines family and a mountain leader.

"We knew him as a fine young man who was a credit to the service, who left having achieved much in his career. The thoughts and sympathies of those that knew him go out to his family and friends."