Teacher Dies in US Hiking Collapse

Tributes have been paid to a teacher who died on a hiking trip while on holiday with her husband in California.

Ruth Ross, 57, from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, collapsed in sweltering temperatures on a trek near Palm Springs on Monday.

The deputy head teacher set out on the South Lykken Trail with husband Chris, 60, at about 7.30am but within hours was overcome by the heat.

The couple were airlifted after Mr Ross called for help and the grandmother died later in hospital.

Teachers and pupils at Airdrie Academy, where Mrs Ross taught home economics for 10 years, were said to be distraught at her sudden death.

Head teacher Ian Fannon said: "This is devastating news for the whole school community.

"Ruth was a well-liked and popular teacher who was totally committed to improving the lives of young people at Airdrie Academy.

"The thoughts of all staff and pupils are with her family at this difficult time.''

Mother-of-three Mrs Ross was a member of Parkhead Nazarene church in Glasgow, where prayers were said last night.

A church statement said: "It has been such difficult news to hear and feel.

We're coming together throughout the day at church to support one another and pray for Chris and the family.''

Mrs Ross, who previously taught at Dalziel High School in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, was also a governor of the Nazarene Theological College in Manchester.

Her mother Vera, 84, told the Daily Record newspaper: "We are devastated. No-one could have a daughter like mine, she was wonderful.

"Her life was spent helping others."

It is understood Mr Ross is still being treated in hospital in Palm Springs, where temperatures reached almost 40C (104F) on Monday.