An RAF Sea King winched the man's body from Scafell
A man has died after falling 600ft in icy conditions from England’s second-highest mountain.
The walker slipped and fell from the Lord’s Rake traverse path on Scafell today.
His companion had to be rescued after getting stuck on crags.
Rescuers were alerted at 10am after police received a 999 call saying a walker had fallen and suffered serious injuries on the 964m (3,163ft) mountain.
Richard Warren of Wasdale Mountain Team said the two men, who were from outside Cumbria, were making their way across the Lord’s Rake traverse path, Scafell, Wasdale when one of them slipped on the frozen snow and ice and fell around 200m (600ft.).
The Wasdale team mobilised 17 of its members and also requested help from the neighbouring Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team.
A Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland flew to the scene.
Lord's Rake in summer conditions
Mr Warren said: “The RAF managed to winch the cragfast walker off the mountain and assisted the team with the recovery of the walker who sadly did not survive his fall.
“The team would like to extend thanks to the crew of the helicopter for what was a very challenging rescue.
“The team wishes to extend our sympathy to the man’s family.”
He said the rescue operation ended at 1.30pm.
Mr Warren, the team’s spokesman, added: “Walkers are reminded that the high fells are still in full winter conditions, especially north-facing gullies where ice axes and crampons are essential along with the knowledge and experience of how to use them in the event of a slip or trip on snow and ice slopes.
“Map, compass and torch are also essential when navigating in poor conditions. Practice in their use is very important before needing to be used.”
LINDA CUNLIFFE
10 December 2012I am shocked and saddened at reading this article as yet another man succumbs to the thrill of winter climbing. Snow, ice, fog, high winds make for some very dangerous conditions on the mountains of which I am sure many climbers disregard. My husband Grant Cunliffe died after a fall in January this year in the Cairngorm Mountains.
Full praise to the Rescue Teams involved who risk their lives to save others.
Chris Potts
10 December 2012I followed the search for Grant as it went on and was saddened to hear of his passing. We had walked Carn Toul and stayed at Corrour bothy a short while before. Many people on the Walkingforum added their condolences as well. The mountain and hill community are a close-knit bunch.
chris takacs
11 December 2012my thoughts go outto the famile and frenids of the walker
Andy Goodwin
11 December 2012A tragic start to the winter season. I'm sure all our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the walker. RIP.
Jacob Mead
11 December 2012A great tragedy.
Only heard about it after climbing Scafell today.
A perfect still icey day.
Only saw 12 others on the mountain 7 without ice axe and crampons.
heidi
11 December 2012we were on helvellyn today and there were some people with no crampons and walking poles instead of ice axes. its sad the guy died but it sounds like he wasnt properly equiped.what was he thinking of?
Pete
12 December 2012It's a terribly sad event. I think I'll stop reading comments sections on outdoor websites though. Every time someone is killed or injured fellow walkers and climbers criticise the victim for being ill equipped/inexperienced/whatever. How can we possibly know what happened? The guy made a mistake for whatever reason and he paid the ultimate price. We've all made mistakes be it in navigation, route or equipment for which we might have paid a similar price at least once, I know I have at least once in the 20 odd years I've been going out on the hill. There but for the grace of God go we all. God rest his soul and bless and keep his loved ones.
Michael Ventress
12 December 2012It is so so sad that this guy has died doing what he loved doing. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. We don't know details of what happened so how can we possibly condemn. I've been walking the fells for over 30 years and we do make mistakes sometimes, that is to be expected. We are all human. This man may have taken all possible precautions and had a pure and simple accident. They do happen and we are all open to it. The last thing his family want to hear is that it was his own fault. They are grieving at this time and my prayers are with them, so let them do so in peace.
spike
14 December 2012So Sad.
Margaret
14 December 2012Is this not all a bit mawkish!
Jacob Mead
15 December 2012Its self evidently not helpful to critic those who have died.
But those who 24 hrs later head up the same mountains breaking every rule in the book are flagrantly putting their own lives at risk and those of the helicopter crews and mountain rescue teams who may have to go and fetch them down dead or alive.
Paul
20 December 2012I'm with you all the way PETE..
Accidents happen to even the most experienced and well equipped climbers,and in the most inoquous of circumstances.
Very often the least well equipped lead a charmed life.
But any fatality is always tragic for the families involved.
But as often said climbers know the risks and are doing what they love.
Alan
25 December 2012Peter/Paul, most sensible comments here. Many experienced hill folk come to grief. Don't rush to judge, we are only a slip from being a statistic. Be careful out there.