The man fell 150m while descending from Snowdon's summit. Photo: Chris March CC-BY-SA-2.0
A walker has died after falling 500ft on Wales’s highest mountain.
The man was with a friend coming down from Snowdon’s summit yesterday when they took the wrong route and ended up on steep ground.
Two mountain rescue teams and an RAF search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley were alerted but the walker died at the scene, near the Trinity Face.
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team requested help from the Aberglaslyn team about 6.15pm on Good Friday after the alarm was raised.
A Sea King crew also flew to the site from their base on Anglesey.
An Aberglaslyn MRT spokesperson said: “The man and a friend were making their way down from the summit when they took a wrong turn down a steep grassy slope.
“It is understood they had tried to turn back when the man fell 500ft (152m). Nearby walkers heard his friend’s calls for help and raised the alarm.
“The RAF rescue helicopter arrived on scene in good time, and located the fallen man who sadly died as a result of the fall.
“Several Llanberis team members were airlifted to the scene, and the man’s companion was winched to safety by the helicopter, along with the fallen man and the Llanberis team members.
“The Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team was stood down at 6.49pm.
“The team’s condolences and thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Nicola
20 April 2014I was there and saw this poor man fall. I can't get the horrific scene out of my mind. I wish to know his name so he is remembered as a person and not a victim number:-(
I send my heart felt condolences to his family and friends expecially his poor distraught friend who's cries will haunt me always, I hope one day he will find peace in himself! Xxxx
The Grouse
21 April 2014What a horrifying thing to have seen Nicola, and an awful shame, the poor family. I think in reports like this the readers should be made aware of where on the mountains these incidents occur so to decrease the risk of tragedies like this happening again.
Adrian
21 April 2014I was also there. Myself and my brother and Nephew crossed the valley from the path on our way down to reach him but it was too dangerous to down climb. We managed to point out the man stuck near the top to the Helicopter crew. I felt so sad for him he must have been in absolute despair. My heart goes out to the pair of them and their families.
Andrew
22 April 2014We were the team (3 people with ML qualifications) that called Mountain Rescue. We remained on scene for an hour as we were the only ones with mobile reception and a view.
The issue here is sign posting; Given the number of inexperienced people going up the this normally 'safe' mountain (and I'm all for encouraging them as they may be the next generation of walkers and climbers) there has to be better sign posting on this mountain (and only this mountain). Earlier in the day we were involved in a rescue of an 8 year old off the Crib Goch ridge! The mother had taken that route assuming it was the best way up Snowdon, no maps, no equipment, wrong place. Luckily no disaster.
A small sign saying on the path saying "Ropes maybe required, Scrambling route beyond this point" would turn many back.
The same may have prevented the tragedy that unfolded on Saturday resulting in the death of a 21 year old.
Kevin
22 April 2014The paths are so well defined on Snowdon and it was a beautifully clear day, it is difficult to understand how people can stray off their routes. At 21 he was a boy rather than a man, poor thing, and awful for those he has left behind.
Niamh Douglas
22 April 2014My 18 year old brother was one of the walkers that called the MR team he was on a scout trip as one of the leaders. He was with people as young as 14.
Helen
22 April 2014Nicola, we know of your haunting. My husband and I also saw the poor guy fall and the following shouting for help off his friend. My husband bravely climbed down off the miners track and then climbed up to his aid. Unfortunately nothing could of been done for him. We also would like to know his full name, to be able to give him the proper respectful remembrance he is due. Our hearts go out to his friend and family x
Vanessa McCallion
22 April 2014My husband died in Feb 2009 with his brother after they fell or were blown off close to the summit of Snowdon. Reading this brings all the pain and heartbreak flooding back to me. So sorry for those of you who witnessed this tragic accident and my heart goes out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace xxx
Paul
23 April 2014Another very tragic story .my heart goes out to family and friends of the poor lad .
Graham Downes
23 April 2014I was on the opposite side of the valley on the Glyders on Friday, the weather was fantastic but this goes to show never drop your guard when climbing mountains.
I have been climbing for over 40 years and have known many deaths in those years on the mountains, and have been involved in the rescue attempts of some of those victims so my heart goes out to all those involved and those left behind.
Vicky
28 September 2015This story is so sad! I climbed Snowdon this weekend with my partner and two friends. I am an inexperienced climber who totally underestimated the size, difficulty and dangers of this mountain! We ran out of water half way up but luckily were given some by other walkers on the way down! We started on the Rhyd ddu path, but somehow wandered onto a more difficult one! I was terrified in parts as one slip would result in a vertical drop!
I do think there should be perhaps warnings at the bottom of the mountain, a checklist of things you need and warnings of the dangers and severity of the climb! I wouldn't want to put people off climbing it as it was an incredible experience, but if the warnings make inexperienced people think more carefully about the route they are taking and wether they have the appropriate equipment then it may avoid accidents and possibly save lives!
Andrew Barton
15 March 2016sad story and my condolences to all family and friends.
To the comments made by Vicky.
I hope you have learned from your mistakes on the mountain and don't turn up unprepared the next time. We have all been inexperienced walkers at one point in our lives. I would say to anybody going up Snowdon for the first time to do extensive research on routes, equipment, food, water etc. People have to take responsibility of themselves on the mountain.
Stay safe and enjoy.