Hiker dies on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah
Hospital source says cause of death not yet known, but 25-year-old British man is believed to have slipped and fallen
FUJAIRAH // A 25-year-old British man died while hiking in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah this week.
The man, Alex Underhill, was hiking up Jebel Jais on Tuesday when he is believed to have slipped and fallen.
A friend who was leading the hike reported the accident to police and an ambulance and helicopter were sent, but the hiker died before the helicopter arrived. His body was taken to Saqr Hospital in RAK city.
“The operation room received a call between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday about the incident from the hiker’s friend and a rescue team was dispatched, but he was already dead,” said Lt Col Marwan Jakah, media director of RAK Police.
“Hikers should arrange with us and the tourism authority when going for a hiking trip for their own safety, and should be careful when visiting rugged areas, especially in the hot weather.”
Sources at Saqr Hospital said his body arrived at 6.20pm. “He might have had a heart attack or it could be a lack of oxygen or dehydration. We couldn’t identify the cause because he had only a small cut on his knee. Only an autopsy can reveal the cause of death,” one said.
His body was taken to a forensics laboratory to determine the cause of death.
A post on Facebook by George Crewe said he had been with Underhill while they were hiking on Jebel Jais. They decided to turn back because of the heat and felt exhausted on the way down, but when he turned around he could not see his friend.
He searched for him and said it looked as if he had slipped and hit his head.
Mr Crewe, who lives in Dubai, said he did everything he could to help him and tried to call for a helicopter but had no phone signal, so he ran to get help.
“Yesterday was the worst day of my entire life. The guy next to me was not only my best friend but he was like my brother, my right arm, my right leg. We literally did everything together.” With temperatures in RAK peaking at 45°C on Tuesday, any time spent hiking would have been exhausting and extremely dangerous, said Amy Subaey, director of UAE Trekkers.
“The heat in this region is extreme by any measure and can be deadly at any time of year. A very simple recommendation for hiking in the summer months of June, July, or August is not to do it at all,” she said.
“One can easily lose one’s way anywhere in RAK because the trails are unmarked. At every turn, hikers face steep cliffs and scree slopes that are challenging even in the cooler months.
“Without sufficient water, safety equipment, proper hiking boots or access to help, the area is treacherous.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the young man involved in this tragic incident.”