Walker fell 100ft to his death as he tried to carry dog, say rescuers
A HILLWALKER in the Scottish Highlands fell 100ft to his death because he was carrying his pet beagle under one arm, mountain rescue teams have said.
The remains of Kyle Sambrook, 33, and his beagle Bane were recovered from a gully in Glencoe on Saturday afternoon after a three-day search.
Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, said: “He had fallen about 30 metres (98ft) into this gully on the west side of the hill and we think that the most likely scenario is that he was holding his dog with one hand.”
“It was appalling weather with strong winds at the time of his fall and he may have been trying to get off the hill and lost his way a bit.”
Mr Bathurst said it was not clear what kind of navigation equipment Mr Sambrook was using, whether he had a mobile or GPS.
“He also had a heavy rucksack and where he has fallen is very steep ground.
“It looks like carrying the dog, together with all the other factors, may have been a major cause of the accident and led to both of their deaths sadly.”
Mr Sambrook had driven to the area with plans to climb the 3,351ft high Buachaille Etive Mòr with Bane.
More than 40 rescuers had scoured the area in a 12 hour operation on Friday. Some 55 searchers had done the same on Thursday.
After they discovered the bodies it took them six hours to carry the bodies off the mountain by stretcher.
Police Scotland said that at 2.15pm, the bodies of a male and a dog believed to be that of Mr Sambrook and Bane were recovered by mountain rescue teams. The force said: “The family has been notified, and a formal ID will occur in due course.”
“The family have thanked all involved in searching for Kyle and Bane and requested that their privacy be respected. Our thoughts remain with Kyle’s family, and we support them at this time.”