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Brit student, 19, 'jumped to her death after breaking open plane door' on Madagascar trip

Brit student, 19, 'jumped to her death after breaking open plane door' on Madagascar trip Alana Cutland, 19, tragically died in Madagascar after falling nearly 3,500ft from a Cessna light aircraft she was travelling in. Investigators in the African country claimed the teenager - who studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge - fought off a fellow passenger, Brit tourist Ruth Johnson, after breaking open the door. Ruth is reported to have tried to hang on to the girl's leg to stop her jumping to her death. But police in Madagascar said she was able to free herself from Ruth and the pilot's "exhausted" grip before falling from the tiny propeller plane into the savannah below. Cops in the Indian Ocean island nation have been trying to find Alana's body in the wild and remote region of Analalava, but fear they will never find her.    Police chief for the region Sinola Nomenjahary said they had recreated the terrifying moment onboard the aircraft after taking statements from Ruth and the pilot. Nomenjahary told The Sun: "The Cessna C168 aircraft was taking off from Anjajavy with three people aboard, including Ms Johnson, Alana and the pilot. "After 10 minutes of flight, Alana undid her seatbelt and unlocked the right door of the plane and tried to get out. "Ms Johnson fought for five minutes trying to hold her, but when she was exhausted and out of breath she let go."  He added: "Alana then intentionally fell from an aircraft at 1,130m above sea level." Alana had been due to stay in Madagascar for six weeks on a self-funded research trip, but cut it short after eight days when she spoke to her parents Alison and Neil, both 63. She had been working on an animal biology project studying crabs on the beaches of Madagascar and was hosted by the Anjajavy Lodge. Investigators claimed the student suffered five "paranoia attacks" while on the trip.  On Wednesday, Alana's parents paid tribute to her. In a statement released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, they said: "Our daughter Alana was a bright, independent young woman, who was loved and admired by all those that knew her. "She was always so kind and supportive to her family and friends, which resulted in her having a very special connection with a wide network of people from all walks of her life, who we know will miss her dearly." For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK free on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch

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