Climbers hit by avalanche ‘fell some distance’ to their deaths
Tributes to mountaineers killed in Glencoe accident
TRIBUTES have been paid to two mountaineers who were killed in an accident in the Highlands.
Simon Davidson, 34, from the Edinburgh area, and Joe Smith, 23, from Kinlochleven, are thought to have died after being caught up in an avalanche in Glencoe.
Police Scotland confirmed the identity of the pair, who had “fallen some distance” and were found by another climbing party on Stob Coire nam Beith at about 4.30pm on Saturday.
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), which led the recovery operation, said the men were roped together, suggesting they had been on a climb.
Mr Davidson, who lived in Fort William, was a skilled mountaineer and well-known within the Scots mountaineering community.
Mr Smith lived in Kinlochleven but was originally from the Lancashire area.
Referring to Mr Davidson, the Climbing Academy Glasgow said it was “saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our former employees”. It added: “Our condolences go out to Simon and his climbing partner’s family and friends.”
Edinburgh Mountaineering Club said: “Sympathies to the families and friends of these two men killed in a climbing accident in Glencoe.”
Fellow climber James Dunn said: “Life is short. It can be especially short for some of us. The only solace we can take from the tragic news of Simon Davidson is to live it to the fullest. Do the things you love. Do it with people you love. Every day.”
And on Twitter, user Mountain and Glen wrote: “Devastated to hear Simon Davidson has been killed climbing in Glen Coe. He led Nevis leg of many 3 peaks for us. Thoughts with his family.”
The weather in the area was described as “a typical winter day – snowing with wind on top”, and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service labelled the risk in Glencoe on Saturday as “considerable”, a warning that remains in place.
Andy Nelson, leader of the Glencoe MRT, said: “The guys were roped together, so it is possible they were still on the climb but they have clearly fallen some distance. My information is that they have been killed instantly by the fall.
“They had all the relevant equipment and there is nothing to suggest that they were ill-equipped or inexperienced.”
Mr Nelson urged climbers to check forecasts and warnings before heading out.
He added: “Stay as part of a group and climb as at least a pair, take all the relevant equipment for whatever you are planning to do and take some form of communication as well, just in case there is an accident.”
The deaths are thought to be the first on Scottish mountains this year but there have been a number of incidents where rescuers have criticised those who take to the hills ill-prepared.
Lomond MRT found two men “freezing” on Ben Lomond earlier this month, five hours after they were reported missing. The pair lost the path on the descent from the mountain.
A rescue team spokesman said: “Lomond MRT would like to remind hill walkers that despite the recent warm and wet weather, Scotland’s mountains are experiencing full winter conditions. Waterproof warm clothing, a fully charged phone, food and drink, a torch and axe and crampons are basics that are essential for safe travel.”
In January 2013, four young climbers were killed in Glencoe when an avalanche struck on Bidean nam Bian.
Tom Chesters, 28, who was studying for a PhD in osteoporosis, died with his girlfriend, junior doctor Rachel Majumdar, 29, Chris Bell, 24, another PhD student, and Una Finnegan, 25, a medical graduate.
That winter saw a number of other deaths, making it one of the worst for fatalities in recent years.
RAF personnel Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, 32, and Squadron leader Rimon Than, 32, were caught in an avalanche in the Cairngorms. In a separate incident, hiker Graham Connell, 31, who was taking part in a hillwalking expedition from Leeds University, was killed.