Hillwalker, 66, falls 130ft to his death ‘in front of his two sons’ on Ben Nevis as they made their way across narrow ridge near summit

• The 66-year-old was on the Càrn Mòr Dearg arête, Fort William, when he fell

A hillwalker fell 130ft to his death in front of his children as they headed towards the top of the UK’s highest mountain.

The 66-year-old was on the Càrn Mòr Dearg arête, a narrow ridge that leads to the summit of Ben Nevis, when he fell on Sunday.

It is believed the pensioner was with two of his sons, who were among a group of four hiking on the route.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team sent ten members after being called out around noon but cloud conditions later improved enough to allow a coastguard helicopter to retrieve the man’s body and his fellow walkers.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Officers received a report of a man having fallen at Càrn Mòr Dearg near Fort William at around 12.30pm on Sunday.

The 66-year-old was on the Càrn Mòr Dearg arête (pictured), a narrow ridge that leads to the summit of Ben Nevis, when he fell on Sunday

‘Emergency services attended, and a 66-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and next of kin have been informed. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.’ 

It is thought the victim was visiting the area, possibly from England.

Iain Murray, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said: ‘We would like to express our condolences to the man’s family and friends. He fell a considerable distance in a very steep place.

‘I believe he had two of his sons with him so this is a particularly tragic event for them.’

In a separate incident, the coastguard helicopter also airlifted a man and a woman in their 20s from the same ridge at around 3pm that day and took them to Torlundy, near Fort William.

One of the hikers became ‘cragfast’ on the steep ridge and was unable to move.

The arête links 4,000ft Càrn Mòr Dearg to the summit of 4,413ft Ben Nevis. Walk Highlands says: ‘For experienced, fit mountain walkers this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. This is a truly spectacular route incorporating two Munros.’

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team sent ten members to the arete after being called out around noon but cloud conditions later improved enough to allow a coastguard helicopter to retrieve the man’s body and his fellow walkers

Meanwhile, the funeral of 39-year-old mountain guide Dave Fowler – who fell to his death in Glen Coe with two other climbers – took place at Inverness Crematorium yesterday.

The climbers are believed to have been roped together as they took on the treacherous Aonach Eagach ridge.

A health and safety probe has been launched into their deaths.

Mr Fowler, Graham Cox, 60, from Southport, Merseyside, and an unnamed 64-year-old woman were killed. Their bodies were found on August 6 after being reported missing the night before.

Mr Fowler was based in Fort William and worked for West Coast Mountain Guides. Originally from Wales, he moved north in 2005 to pursue his passion for climbing.

Source: Read Full Article