Tributes have been paid to a “wonderful man” who died following a major rescue operation on Ben Nevis.
Belfast man Samuel Crawford, 28, was one of a large group who got into difficulty while climbing the UK’s highest mountain on Tuesday.
The rescue mission was launched with mountain rescue teams and police officers scrambling to assist a large group attempting to scale the 4,413ft peak.
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Samuel was tragically pronounced dead at the scene around 2.15pm.
Two soldiers, aged 29 and 27, were rushed to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
His passing has left his family and friends completely devastated and tributes have flooded in.
Samuel has been described as a “wonderful man”.
He was a devoted Christian and, following the tragic news of his death, friends have been sharing a video of his testimony at Sandown Free Presbyterian Church in East Belfast back in December 2020.
Susan Gray said: “Please friends listen to the Testimony of Samuel Crawford. The Lord has called Samuel home, are you ready to meet the Lord?
“Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Sophie his young wife, also the whole family as they grieve.”
Ian Moore said: “Samuel tragically lost his life after an accident on Ben Nevis and went home to be with his Lord this week.”
Mel McVeigh said: “Praying for Sophie, Sam’s family and his friends at this difficult time. May you all know God’s comfort and strength.”
Andrea Rees-Ackley said: “So sorry to hear of this. A wonderful man. My sympathies and prayers to Rebecca Simpson and the whole family.
“May God lend them strength and comfort, thankful with Samuel’s strong faith he finds himself now home with God.”
Heath Graham added: “Shocked, was speaking with Sam just a few weeks ago. Condolences to his family at this sad time....RIP.”
It’s understood Samuel’s wife Sophie was expecting a baby and May-Beth Owens said: “So sad he won’t see his little one in this world.”
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the Samuel’s death.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.15pm on Tuesday, March 8, police were made aware of concerns for a number of people in difficulty on Ben Nevis.
“Emergency services and mountain rescue colleagues attended to assist 17 people off the mountain.
“We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, whilst a further two men, aged 29 and 27, were treated for minor injuries in hospital.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
The latest incident comes as the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team sadly recorded a further two fatalities in five days previous and Police Scotland confirmed there had been a total of six deaths in the past two weeks.
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