A Brazilian runner died when he fell from a mountain during an ultramarathon in France.

Orlando Tsuyoshi Yamanaka from Avare, Sao Paulo state, was taking part in the 171-kilometre (106-mile) Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc when the tragic accident occurred.

The ultramarathon organisers said the fall took place on Monday, 22nd August – the first day of the event – when Yamanaka and his team were in Les Contamines in south-eastern France.

The 59-year-old reportedly fell a distance of more than 100 metres (328 feet).

A rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene but by the time paramedics reached him, he no longer had vital signs.

Orlando’s friend Ana Kawano took to social media on 24th August to write: “I lost a friend. Several people appear in our life, but there are those who are very special.

“You were very special Orlando Yamanaka. One of the nicest people I’ve met. Smart and humble at the same time.”

She added: “God lent us this angel and now the time has come to return. Rest in peace, friend, and protect us here on Earth.”

At the time of reporting, Orlando’s body was due to be cremated in France and his ashes repatriated to Avare, Brazil.

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc ends on Sunday, 28th August.