Climber killed by rockslide the size of a block of flats

Wife fights for life after Yosemite horror

A BRITISH climber has been crushed to death in a rockslide “the size of an apartment building”.

Andrew Foster, 32, was in America’s Yosemite National Park with wife Lucy, 28, who was critically injured in the 1,000-tonne collapse.

They were thought to be scouting the ascent of El Capitan peak when a 40-by 20-metre sheet of granite fell.

Park ranger Scott Gediman said: “From what I understand they were buried under rock. They were crushed.”

He could not be specific on injuries but said they were “consistent with tonnes of granite falling on you”.

Climber Peter Zabrok said: “I observed a piece of granite fall 2,000ft. It was the size of an apartment building.”

PASSION

Andrew and Lucy were with other climbers but were the only known casualties. They were hit in one of seven rockfalls over four hours.

The couple, from Cardiff, had been indulging their love of climbing ahead of a year of travelling. They were at the end of a three-week trip to Yosemite, California.

One of Andrew’s former employers, Up and Under climbing, said: “His passion for the outdoors was infectious. Andy and Lucy’s intentions upon returning from Yosemite were to convert a van into a motorhome to explore the Alps. Our thoughts are with Lucy and his family.”

The Foreign Office said: “We are in contact with local authorities and providing assistance to both families.”

A British hiker was seriously injured after plunging 160ft in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in Majorca. The man, 63, was airlifted to hospital in Palma.

From what I understand they were buried under rock. They were crushed RANGER SCOTT GEDIMAN ON THE COUPLE’S INJURIES

TRAGIC Andrew was keen climber RESCUE Casualty after one of rockfalls WEDDING Lucy and Andrew DEADLY FORCE Rock sheet drops from El Capitan

EXCITED Andrew at the peak