TAIPEI-A Taiwanese hiker known for posting bikini clad photos from mountain summits has died after falling into a ravine during a solo trek. Gigi Wu managed to contact emergency services but bad weather delayed rescue operations, local media reports say.

The 36-year-old is thought to have died of hypothermia. She was a popular figure on social media and messages on her Facebook pages pay tribute to her as an inspirational hiker. Wu was alone on a multi-day tour in Yushan National Park, home to Taiwan's highest peaks which reach almost 4,000 metres (13,000 ft), the reports say. While she was famous for posting pictures of herself in bikinis from summits, she was an experienced hiker, appearing to use proper equipment and precautions during her expeditions.

According to Taiwan News, bad weather had prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching her three times. A rescue mission was eventually sent out on foot. Her body was found on Monday after temperatures had been around freezing point during the previous night, the Liberty Times cited rescue operators as saying. On 24 December, she had already posted a picture of her legs badly bruised writing in the comment that she slipped from the path and easily could have fallen further.

In a 2018 interview cited in Focus Taiwan, she said she first had the idea of posting bikini photos after losing a bet with a friend.

Her last Facebook post to her more than 18,000 followers is dated 18 January and shows the view from a mountain above the clouds. More than 1,000 people have since commented. Many posts were following the dramatic rescue operation, when it was not clear whether she was still alive. Later comments express their condolences, applauding her for having been an inspiration to the hiking community.

One fan, Michelle Tang, wrote on Facebook: "Beautiful and brave little G… thank you for letting everyone see your beautiful scenic photos." Another, Senzhong Shaoxian, wrote: "Gigi, thank you for filling us all with happiness - I wish you happy travels."