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STV News
06-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Inquiry into deaths of three climbers on mountain ridge
An inquiry into the deaths of three climbers in Glencoe is due to be held this August. Dave Fowler, 39, Graham Cox, 60, and Hazel Crombie, 64, died after falling from the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe in August 2023. The three climbers had been reported missing on August 5 before their bodies were found by Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) volunteers. Sheriff Neil Wilson told a hearing he expected the inquiry to be held on August 18 and 19 at Fort William Sheriff Court. A further preliminary hearing is due to be held on June 9. Graham Cox had travelled from Southport in England to traverse Aonach Eagach. Google Maps The area where the climbers were recovered. Google Maps The climb along Aonach Eagach, Gaelic for 'the Notched Ridge', covers 10km and includes two Munros – Meall Dearg and Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh. It shrinks to three metres at its narrowest and stands at an elevation of up to 968m at its highest. Mr Fowler was a mountaineering expert based in Fort William, and worked with West Coast Mountain Guides to offer guided traverses across Scotland's trickiest terrain. He was working when the accident unfolded. In tributes on social media, he was described as a 'mountain hero' and an 'inspiration' to those in the hiking and climbing community. Graham Cox had travelled from Southport in England to traverse Aonach Eagach. In a statement to the Liverpool Echo, his family said: 'Graham Cox was a much-loved husband, father, son and brother. He is remembered by all as the kindest, loveliest man. 'The family is devastated by his loss.' Hazel Crombie, a keen climber from Doune, was described as 'much-loved'. Her loved ones asked for donations to be made to Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team in her memory. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Quest for answers to begin after three climbers fell to death on notorious Glencoe ridge
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of three climbers on a ridge in Glencoe is expected to take place this summer. The climbers — Graham Cox, 60, Hazel Crombie, 64, and David Fowler, 39 — lost their lives during an expedition on the notorious Aonach Eagach Ridge in August 2023. At a preliminary hearing on Monday, Sheriff Neil Wilson confirmed that the inquiry is scheduled for 18 and 19 August at Fort William Sheriff Court. A further procedural hearing is due to take place on 9 June to finalise arrangements, the BBC has reported. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday August 5, when the climbers failed to return as expected from their route. Concerns were raised, prompting a major search and rescue effort. Climbers failed to return to base after Aonach Eagach trek The operation took place in poor weather conditions, with mist and fog severely hampering visibility and complicating access. The Inverness coastguard helicopter was deployed, along with teams from Glencoe Mountain Rescue and the RAF. Despite the difficult terrain, the climbers' bodies were discovered the following day. The Aonach Eagach ridge, where the incident occurred, is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous scrambles in the UK. The ridge runs for six miles along Glencoe and rises to 3,608 feet at its highest point. Its steep drops, exposed sections and jagged crest attract experienced climbers but pose serious risks, particularly in poor weather. The inquiry will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identify any contributing factors and determine whether lessons can be learned to improve safety for future climbers. The proceedings are expected to shed light on one of Scotland's most serious recent mountaineering accidents. Have you signed up for our Oban and Hebrides newsletter? Every week our Oban-based reporter Louise Glen curates the best news in the area. Sign up here for local news straight to your inbox. And if you'd like to join the conversation on West Coast Chat on Facebook, we'd love to hear from you.
BBC News
06-05-2025
- BBC News
Inquiry into climbers' deaths in Glen Coe expected in August
Inquiry into climbers' deaths expected in August Concerns were raised for three climbers after they failed to return from a climb on Saturday 5 August A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of three climbers in Glen Coe is set to take place this summer. Graham Cox, 60, Hazel Crombie, 64, and David Fowler, 39, died on Aonach Eagach in August 2023. The ridge is popular with climbers and one of the narrowest in mainland Britain, stretching for six miles (9.7km) and climbing to a height of 3,608ft (1,100m). Sheriff Neil Wilson told a hearing he expected the inquiry to be held on 18 and 19 August at Fort William Sheriff Court.
