Lack of gear linked to death fall
Friday 31st July 2009, 1:28PM BST.
A Shropshire climber who died after falling 600 feet on Snowdon in snow and ice was not properly equipped, an inquest heard.
Gwyn Norrell, from Snailbeach, Shrewsbury, had no ice axe or crampons when he slipped on an ice sheet on Clogwyn Coch on February 7 and fell over the cliff.
The 27-year-old factory worker’s partially frozen body was found by accident hours later after another climber nearby was heard calling for help.
When Bangor University student John Swain went to the climber’s aid his friend spotted Mr Norrell’s body lying face down in the snow.
Mr Swain told an inquest in Caernarfon yesterday that he was “shocked” to see the lack of winter climbing gear on the deceased.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, deputy coroner Nicola Jones said: “Had he an ice axe and crampons he may have been able to arrest his fall.”
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
