Climbers likely died after one or all of them slipped - inquiry

Three climbers who were roped together likely died after one or all of them slipped while on a mountain ridge, says a sheriff who oversaw an inquiry into their deaths.

Mountain guide David Fowler, 39, and climbers Graham Cox, 60, and Hazel Crombie, 64 - died in a fall on Aonach Eagach, Glen Coe, in August 2023.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) at Fort William Sheriff Court heard evidence from members of Scotland's climbing community and the climbers' families.

Sheriff Neil Wilson said the inquiry felt personal to him because of his own involvement in mountaineering and he thanked the families for the "heartfelt" statements they provided.

In his determination, the sheriff noted the three people died from multiple injuries.

He said the likely cause of the accident was a slip or fall, and there were no precautions that could reasonably have been taken to prevent their deaths.

However, the sheriff said there were concerns that Cox and Crombie were given inadequate information about the use of ropes.

He also said there had been "inadequate detailed pro-active discussions" around their levels of experience and competence before heading on to the ridge.

The inquiry heard that Fowler was a competent mountain guide with considerable experience.

Wilson said: "I would wish to extend my condolences to the families of the three deceased.

"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, said the deaths highlighted the "inherent risks of mountaineering".

He said: "The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the procurator fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of these tragic deaths were presented in evidence.

"The sheriff's detailed findings note areas of concern which the mountain guiding community should consider when booking and preparing for excursions."

Shanks said his thoughts were with the three families.

In climbing, the ridge is described as "exposed" and having sections that require scrambling, a technique that involves a person using their hands to help them keep their balance while walking across difficult terrain.

Concerns were raised for the three climbers after they failed to return from a climb on 5 August 2023.

An initial search involving the Inverness coastguard helicopter was made in mist and fog in difficult terrain, before the bodies were found the following day.

Glencoe and RAF mountain rescue teams assisted with the search and recovery operation.

The inquiry heard the accident happened near the summit of Am Bodach, at the east end of the ridge.

Aonach Eagach is popular with climbers.

It features a series of summits, the highest being Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh at 967m (3,172ft).