Rescue team saves female climber’s pals
A FEMALE student has died after a 500ft fall down Ben Nevis during a New Year’s Day climb.
The 22-year-old was on the Ridge Route between the summit of Carn Dearg and Ben Nevis when she fell.
The woman, who has not yet been named, was a student at Bristol University and was on a planned trip with friends.
The group, who are also said to be studying at the university, survived after being saved by a mountain rescue team.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Leader, John Stevenson, said the woman fell about 500ft.
He said: “We got called out about 10.30am. The woman had a big fall on very steep ground – around 500ft I would say.
“There is not much snow just now, but it’s very cold and icy and there is a lot of black ice about.
“It was actually a very nice day and the climbing conditions were good but difficult because of the ice. The helicopter airlifted the three people she was with, one female and two male I think, away as they were also stuck in the ridge.
“It has been a very quiet two months for us but unfortunately the only two call-outs we have had have been fatalities.”
The rescue team also expressed their condolences for the woman’s family. They added: “A very sad start to 2019.
“We would like to thank R951 [search and rescue helicopter] for their fantastic support.
“We witnessed another example of exceptional flying getting the team into location to evacuate the casualty and in recovering her colleagues from a very difficult location.”
The Bristol University student is the second young climber to die on the UK’s highest peak in two weeks.
Patrick Boothroyd, 21, from the West Yorkshire area, died following a fall on December 16.
People have taken to Facebook to give thanks to the rescue team.
One said: “RIP to the young woman who unfortunately lost her lif. My heart goes out to her family.
“Special thanks to the team for bringing her back off the Ben. God bless you all.”
Another said: “Sending love and compassion to everyone touched by this tragedy.”