RESCUERS have revealed a timeline of events that led to a man's death after he fell while climbing on Ben Nevis.
The 22-year-old fell in the Moonlight Gully area, when he slipped in “challenging conditions," while climbing with another man on Saturday.
At around 3000ft up, the pair are believed to have landed on craggy ground after the fatal fall.
Members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT) were tasked by Police Scotland to help the two climbers at about 5pm.
The surviving climber, aged 30, has been described by rescuers as a “very lucky man” after he managed to call for help. He was then airlifted to hospital to receive treatment.
The deceased man and his colleague are both reported to have come from England.
LMRT team leader Iain Murray said: “The climber who survived is very lucky.
“It is very hazardous terrain and he must have struck the rocky ground on his way down. He had serious injuries.
“He fell a significant distance, as did his companion. More than 200ft.
“Sadly, his friend did not survive. We wish to pass on our condolences to his family and friends.”
He added: “We managed to treat the injured man and carry him to a point where the coastguard helicopter from Inverness could airlift him.
“We then returned to the site to recover his companion’s body. It was very hazardous conditions with strong winds and rain.
“The ground where the climbers fell was particularly challenging in the conditions.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Monday: “Around 5pm on Saturday March 29, police were made aware of concerns for two climbers injured on the north face of Ben Nevis.
“Officers attended to carry out searches with our partners in the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and Inverness Coastguard rescue helicopter, with the operation continuing on Sunday, March 30.
“A 30-year-old man was taken to Raigmore Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
“The body of a 22-year-old man was recovered and next-of-kin are aware of the death.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
