Team GB fell runner dies of hypothermia in Highlands
A FORMER Team GB runner died from hypothermia during a run in the Scottish mountains as he lay in heather to “escape the weather”, an inquest heard.
Chris Smith, 43, was on holiday in Perthshire when he set out for a run on Oct 27 last year, telling his family he would return in just over two hours.
However, the father-of-two, who was described as an experienced fell runner, failed to return. His body was found well off his planned course two days later.
West Sussex Coroners Court heard Mr Smith suffered hypothermia after weather conditions turned treacherous during his 11-mile run. Driving sleet, reduced visibility and a wind chill of 12.2F (-11C) made him disorientated.
Mr Smith, who represented Great Britain in a series of international mountain-running competitions, was found lying in the heather. He had taken off his hat, gloves, jacket and watch and laid them out next to him. Paradoxical undressing is a feature of hypothermia and increases heat loss, the inquest heard.
His wife Lindsay told the inquest: “He hadn’t taken the route lightly and had fully researched it. I felt he was fully prepared.”
Coroner Robert Simpson said: “Chris was adequately equipped for what he wanted to do that day.
“The weather on the night was quite frankly horrendous in the mountains.
“He may have tried to escape the weather or become disorientated due to his hypothermia or the weather.” Mr Simpson concluded the death was an accident caused by the adverse weather conditions.