A fatal accident inquiry has revealed that the tragic deaths of three climbers on the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glen Coe last August were likely caused by a slip or fall while they were roped together. The victims, mountain guide David Fowler, 39, and climbers Graham Cox, 60, and Hazel Crombie, 64, perished during their ascent of the exposed and challenging ridge.
The inquiry, held at Fort William Sheriff Court, heard evidence from members of Scotland’s climbing community as well as the victims’ families. Sheriff Neil Wilson, who oversaw the proceedings, expressed his personal connection to mountaineering and thanked the families for their “heartfelt” statements.
In his determination, the sheriff noted that the three individuals died from multiple injuries sustained during the fall. He concluded that the probable cause of the accident was a slip or fall, and that there were no reasonable precautions that could have been taken to prevent their deaths.
However, the sheriff did express concerns that Cox and Crombie may have been given inadequate information about the use of ropes, and that there had been “inadequate detailed pro-active discussion” about their level of experience and competence before they embarked on the challenging ridge.
The inquiry heard that Fowler, the mountain guide, was a highly competent and experienced professional. Sheriff Wilson extended his condolences to the families, stating that “David Fowler, Graham Cox and Hazel Crombie were all clearly very much loved, and continue to be missed.”
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, acknowledged the “inherent risks of mountaineering” and said the deaths highlighted areas of concern that the mountain guiding community should consider when booking and preparing for excursions.
The Aonach Eagach ridge in Glen Coe is a popular but demanding route among climbers, known for its exposed sections that require scrambling techniques. Concerns were raised for the three climbers after they failed to return from their climb on 5 August 2023, prompting a search operation involving the Inverness coastguard helicopter, Glencoe mountain rescue team, and the RAF.
The inquiry’s findings serve as a solemn reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude mountaineering, and the importance of thorough preparation, communication, and adherence to safety protocols when embarking on such challenging endeavours.
