Fell runner dies after attempting to climb Lake District fell in challenge

The victim had fallen to his death on Tuesday, but details were just released

Author: Rory GannonPublished 11th Aug 2024
Last updated 11th Aug 2024

A mountaineer has been killed after falling to his death whilst taking on a Cumbrian fell as part of a challenge.

Information from Cockermouth Mountain Rescue, who was responsible for finding the missing man, revealed that his body had been discovered on Tuesday (August 6th).

It is believed that the man had been trying to make his way down from Pillar mountain in the Lake District towards Kirk Fell in the Ennerdale area of the county.

The man was then believed to have fallen at 11pm, and was discovered shortly afterwards - but the details of his death have only just been released.

The team said that the man had been taking part in the Bob Graham Round, a challenge which involves crossing some 42 fells over 66 miles.

Around twenty members of the team, as well as volunteers from the nearby Wasdale Mountain Rescue set out to find the man, with police officers being called by the man's friends to report him missing.

In a statement, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue said: "On Tuesday 6th August, the police were contacted by a runner at around 11pm to say their friend had slipped and fallen during an attempt at the Bob Graham Round. He had fallen from the ridge into Pillar Cove as the pair made their way down from Pillar to Kirk Fell.

"Due to the uncertain casualty location and the conditions, neighbouring Teams were alerted to plan for a possible protracted search. However at around 0130, tragically, the body of the runner was located in Great Doup (Pillar Cove), to the east of the mountain summit.

"A long and difficult evacuation followed, supported by six Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team members, eventually reaching the valley bottom at around 0630. "

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue added that their thoughts and prayers were "with the casualty’s companion, family and friends".

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