UK & World News
- 14 July 2012, 2:27
Avalanche: Two More British Victims Named
Two more Britons killed in an avalanche in the French Alps have been named by the Foreign Office as survivors have spoken to journalists of the tragedy.
John Taylor and Steve Barber were from the village of Upper Poppleton, York, and were raising money for nearby St Leonard's Hospice with their attempt to reach the summit of Mont Blanc.
Janet Morley, fundraising manager at St Leonard's Hospice, said Mr Barber had informed them in May of their plan to raise cash for charity.
"We are devastated to hear of Steve's death and the deaths of John Taylor and Roger Payne, as well as the other victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends today," she told Sky News.
"As far as we are aware, he had no direct link with the hospice, so we were very pleased to hear that he recognised the important part the hospice plays in York and the surrounding area."
Roger Payne, the third Briton, was among the country's most accomplished climbers. He was a mountain guide and former general secretary of the British Mountaineering Council.
Mr Payne, who was well known across many branches of world climbing, was described as "one of the very best mountain guides" by fellow enthusiasts.
He was also a former president of the British Mountain Guides and was originally from Hammersmith in west London, but reportedly lived in Leysin, Switzerland, with his wife Julie-Ann Clyma, also an experienced mountaineer.
Meanwhile, two survivors have given their account of the tragedy, describing how they were trapped by a wave of snow that hit them without a sound.
Danish survivor Thomas Dybro described how the snow came down and hit them with tremendous force. He said, "I feel like I've been hit by a truck and did ten rounds (of boxing). But they scanned me all over and I'm ok." Another survivor, 63-year-old guide Daniel Rossetto, described being tossed and trapped by the advancing snow.
Rossetto, who was leading two Danish climbers up the mountain, said the three of them may have survived because they were on the edge of the avalanched instead of the centre.
He said: "We took snow but we could still resist, but then big chunks of snow fell onto us so we were swept. We all fell together. And that's it. It's quick but it's always too long. When it started to slow down we were happy that it was slowing down because it's a lot of impact."
French Interior Minister Manuel Valls said a church service would be held in Chamonix on Saturday afternoon in memory of the dead.
Relatives of the nine victims are believed to have already arrived in the resort to pay their respects.
Town hall security official Jean-Louis Verdier said the families had been taken to the hospital to see the bodies.
"We're trying to help them understand as best as possible why their loved ones died, so that they can mourn. There was no technical error," he said.
The avalanche claimed the lives two Spanish climbers, three Germans and one Swiss, as well as the three Britons, according to the Prefecture de la Haute-Savoie.
The victims were killed as they traversed Mont Maudit - translated as Cursed Mountain - in the Mont Blanc range near Chamonix. It is the massif's third-highest peak.
All the climbers were part of a 28-strong group which left a climbing hut to attempt the route, described by local guides as the second most popular route to the top of Mont Blanc, following a 1am breakfast.
The group included independent climbers and others supervised by professional mountaineering guides.
At around 5.20am, French authorities received reports that a "slab" avalanche had hit several groups of mountaineers who were roped together on the northern face of Mont Maudit at 4,000 metre.
Authorities said some climbers had crossed the path of the avalanche before it hit and others were able to turn back.
Describing the sequence of events, it said a block of ice 40cm thick broke off and slid down the slope, creating a mass of snow that was two metres deep and 100 metres long.
Two other Britons - including climber Dave Compton - were reported missing following the avalanche, but were confirmed safe and well after presenting themselves to police in Chamonix on Thursday evening.
Mr Compton, of Ellesmere Port, and his climbing mate were reported missing along with two Spanish climbers following the tragedy.
He later said that he was half an hour behind the group caught up in the avalanche and had turned back to Chamonix after seeing the aftermath.
The 41-year-old said he did not realise there was a search party out for him or the scale of what had happened until he saw the news.
:: Anyone concerned about friends or family following the avalanche can call the Foreign Office on +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00 or 0207 008 1500 in the UK.
Update:
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what do you think?
Oliver Gordon-Lennox
I doubt anyone would choose to die in this manner but they were doing what they loved. I'm sure we will also hear the usual comments regarding dangerous sports placing rescuers lives in peril but as a volunteer with Mountain Rescue I would counter that argument by stating that I do so willingly in order to assist fellow enthusiasts if necessary. An amazing climber once told me that she didn't mind the thought of meeting her end with the words I wish I hadn't done that but could imagine nothing more sad than going out saying I wish I had......
Tricky One
Adding life to their days not days to their lives. I'm jealous of them.
Michael Mcardle
oliver i respect your right to do whatever you want in life as long as its legal of course. but tell me what do you actually achieve by climbing mountains. if you are always searchinso g for thrills youre normal lives must be very boring. i must be very easy pleased as i get my thrills from just being alive full stop.why is that boring or wrong
Michael Mcardle
now tricky i would hate to think i lived my life being envious of other people.live youre own life not other peoples. if you are dissatisfied with your life do something about it
Oliver Gordon-Lennox
My life is pretty full Michael, I get to travel round the world sorting out other peoples mess. I climb, scuba dive, sky dive etc for fun and relaxation. My wife works and plays right beside (more often ahead!) of me. It works for us, I appreciate differing opinions and lifestyles. Each to their own, just so long as we don't harm others along the way.
Michael Mcardle
are there any people in your life dependent on you oliver
Tricky One
Oh michael, you are a simple soul.
Michael Mcardle
the simple things in life are the best.and you my friend tricky are an envious one. i know which one i prefer
Michael Mcardle
thing is though mach men ime still here doing what i enjoy. waking up every morning wondering what life has to offer. still here to follow my dreams whatever they are. maybe even take lessons in syntax and grammer. who knows .
Oliver Gordon-Lennox
You make a valid point Michael but we are also pursuing our dreams; they just differ from yours. As for syntax and grammar, I don't think such things matter in these short posts, you ably convey your thoughts.
Tricky One
Cool, always good to do what you want to do.....,....!!!
Michael Mcardle
fair point oliver and may you always remain unharmed in whatever you choose to do
Michael Mcardle
exactly tricky each to their own
Tricky One
Can you not see the obvious hypocrisy in your thinking?
aa aa
"waking up every morning wondering what life has to offer." The people you criticise , wake up in the morning and make something happen, while you still wait for it to happen.
Michael Mcardle
aa aa please tell me what great acheivment is climbing a mountain. i will ask you again in hope that instead of repeating yourself over and over you might answer my question. what did these people achieve other than dieing. do you honestly think its a price you would gladly pay. if it is then ime afraid youre a bigger fool than i first thought.
Michael Mcardle
oh and aa aa are you really saying that people cant be happy or fulfilled in life unless they are putting their lives in danger cos if you are there must be millions of miserable unfulfilled people in the world. get a grip man and consider how stupid a statement like that is. ps how many mountains have you conquered in your lifetime. i do hope its many i wouldnt like to think of you living a miserable unfulfilled life
aa aa
Never done the mountain climbing,Michael, it's a bit too expensive. Did a bit of abseiling though, 300 footers, that sort of thing. When you're not good with heights, that's a fair challenge believe me. ( look up challenge in the dictionary ) It's a good buzz, just going over the top, relying on a bit of rope. Suppose that's not far from mountaineering, is it. I do plan on having at least one mountain , just a small one ,"conquered" before i pop my clogs , as you mention it. Good look with that new knitting pattern, careful with those needles.
Michael Mcardle
aa aa 300 footer that an old mountaineering term there and yes youre right hardly in the same ball park as a mountain.infact ive ridden a higher big dipper ha.how did the bike ride go. the old lycra chaffing a bit.what buzz you got lined up for today another boring bike ride. or maybe a glass of wine in front of the tv.you sure are an all action hero heh heh.just off to sharpen the old needles you not looking for a bobble hat are ya
Michael Mcardle
ps which mountain ya planning on climbing. how long has it been in planning stage or are you as i suspect dreaming lol
aa aa
Well Michael, when you've done a 300 foot abseil ,a vertical drop, come back and tell me how it compares to the "roller coaster". I know, i've done both. Roller coaster... ahhhh ha hah haha , unbelievable. I take it your just a kid, then. That would explain the poor command of the English language, and the obvious lack of life experience. Always knocking things you haven't got the balls to do yourself. Ahhh ha ha ... nailed it. What a plank.
aa aa
Michael , you are so inactive , you should be on disability benefit. At least some of us have a go. No matter how feeble my efforts are , they are monumental compared to your comatose state. Roller coaster..... i rest my case......... fairground daredevil....... ahhhh ha ha ha ..... no more.. please.
Michael Mcardle
aa aa you off again making a mountain out of a molehill heh heh you should be an expert at it. you forgot to mention which mountain you have lined up in that dream of yours heh heh
Michael Mcardle
some of us have a go...what have you had a go at. abseiling heh heh whats that then i thought it was being lowered down a mountain (( obviously a hill in your case )) on a length of rope..oohhh dangerous or what. that must be what they mean by dope on a rope ha ha
aa aa
Michael still trying to justify being a complete bore. You haven't got a life, you've got an existence. Taking a count of your support on here, is no measure of any valid support. It only demonstrates that people with some spirit, are out living the life. You on the other hand,.. well............ I'm just out to get a bit of air time on the bike. Have fun with that knitting, Michael.
Michael Mcardle
aa aa i bet you dont even wear a helmet is there anything more boring than riding a bike.typical middle class drudge. i can just imagine you in your lycra shorts , glasses and high visibility jacket. ha ha
Matthew Stoner
haha!!!.....You even have a grudge against cyclists!!!!! Geez......It's a real life Victor Meldrew!!! Maybe you'd be happy if we just ban everything...
Louisa Gieldon
Michael are you really so down on everyone or are you just trying to stir up reaction. If you want to get good discussions going there are better ways to achieve that. And please stop counting your thumbs up as it's a bit embarrassing to be honest, especially as you are often wrong in your assessment of the support you get. ( Or is that part of the wind up too ? )
Tricky One
I only come to this site to readthe rediculous opinions. This Michael mcardle chap is reasonably amusing. Please continue!! :)
aa aa
Michael, my safety gear consists of : Helmet, gloves , and wrist protector (due to a healing broken arm, from a previous bike accident ).If you think mountain biking is boring, or just riding a bike is boring, then try it without stabilisers, if your nanny will allow it. Any activity that increases my fitness, and gets me in the fresh air , can only be a benefit.Broken bones aside, i feel a benfit from it. If i have to wear a helmet and hi viz gear, then by definition there must be a risk,( my scars will bear that out) so how can it be boring. You shoot yourself in the foot, quite a bit, Michael. Try a pair of steel toe capped boots, or is it too risky having long laces. What a completely boring and uninspiring waste of oxygen you are. An example to all couch potatoes. Anyway, i'm off for a swim. Without arm bands Michael, try it sometime.
Michael Mcardle
by the way do you not feel real stupid arguing with a child. probably feel insecure around grown ups..lol. i rest my case how silly is that grow up
Michael Mcardle
a big thank you to all my followers out there on the forum. i honestly dont believe it how serious a few of you take things and how easy it is to wind you,s up. chill out .i would especially like to thank aa aa, mathew stoner,chris, last but not least tricky. for keeping me amused. look forward to winding you all up in the future.
Matthew Stoner
Michael, you're welcome... I am glad we all passed the time for you and you found great joy from it. Actually, I am ashamed of myself.....for what I said, for allowing myself to sink to your level. You see Michael, you managed to find my weak spot and I got drawn in. But then that's the price I pay for being a decent human being. Have a good life Michael, I hope you don't end up lonely, but I fear that may well be the case.
Michael Mcardle
well mathew you were led like a lamb to the slaughter. at least you have the decency to admit your failings. dont worry i dont think you had to sink very much lower than you already were. and youre right to be ashamed of yourself . now if you would say 300 hail marys ime sure youlle feel a little better. please dont worry about me being lonely i can always find idiots like youself to pass the time away. mement mori
Steven James Foulds
Get those lessons, Michael...and that would be grammAR. Maybe get some spelling in too, no?
Michael Mcardle
hi fouldsy how ya doing. still putting in your two penneth i see. wel if you are please try and be witty or constructive instead of childish and boring.
Julie Crumpton
Ok....I do think Michael has some very valid points, I really do, from my own point of view, I feel sad for the families who have lost their loved ones, and again I say,....was it really worth losing your life for? Admirable charities they were supporting, .....but they died! So unnecessary , at the risk of getting slated, I still stand by view that life is to be respected and cherished, yes, I know the "live life on the edge" brigade will heartily disagree, but I'm standing firm on this one, ......
aa aa
Please repeat the valid points, as i can't see them.
Louisa Gieldon
Julie i agree with you about the families of daredevils. Personally i got nervous if my sons climbed a tree or walked too near to the quay edge! But i always tried to let them go and do what they wanted. I just think you cannot stop people seeking excitement and thrills. I look back on my life and wish i hadn't been so scared about everything! You put your points over without resorting to the tone that some others on here adopt ( maybe just out of mischief? Maybe sincerely held, i don't know ). I don't think anyone reasonable minds other having different opinions, as long as no one is hurt by them. You're right, life is precious, but i think we all look for different things from our lives. Maybe you and me just weren't born to be thrillseekers x
Julie Crumpton
Aa aa, well about life being very precious, I agree you can "climb mountains" without ever leaving the ground....and by the way michaels a wind up merchant, bless him! Lol!
Julie Crumpton
Good points louise! My own particular " mountain" was coming to terms with losing my daughter....
Louisa Gieldon
I can understand that Julie......That's some mountain. Peace to you. x
Michael Mcardle
hi julie i am pleased that you saw me for what i was and am. some people really do bite far to easily. i never meant any harm. and julie please believe me i have every sympathy with you for the loss of your daughter. i hope you one day find the peace you deserve
Steven James Foulds
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Michael Mcardle
8:41am on 13/7/2012
i suppose we will get the usual clap trap about how they died doing what they enjoyed. if they had to die this would be the way they would have chosen etc pathetic
Tricky One
9:37am on 13/7/2012
chris
9:54am on 13/7/2012
Now that is a really stupid thing to say!
Michael Mcardle
10:01am on 13/7/2012
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Name witheld
10:39am on 13/7/2012
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Michael Mcardle
12:18pm on 13/7/2012
everthing and everybody who doesnt agree with you stupid then chris must be millions of us going off the posts ha ha
peter
4:02pm on 13/7/2012
Michael - They were trying to raise money for a Hospice charity - You obviously don't know what one is, but one day you might just need one. Have some respect. What a dolt you really are.
aa aa
4:42pm on 13/7/2012
Michael, your imaginary support , "going off the posts", adds up to MINUS 16, as i type. Please explain how this demonstrates there are millions who disagree with chris, and support you ? Make it a good one.
Michael Mcardle
5:55pm on 13/7/2012
peter w3hy is these people who raise money for charities have to do it by climbing mountains, trecking through the rain forest. following the inca trail etc. its because they get something out of it. whats wrong with holding a garden fete, running a marathon, or even a raffle. just think how much these charities will lose if all their volenteers go and get themselves killed. peter dont be so condescending as to tell me i dont know what a hospice is my daughter happens to work as a charity fund raiser for a well known hospice. and do you really have to sink to insults. you just show your ignorance
Michael Mcardle
6:06pm on 13/7/2012
aa aa action man i dont have to prove anything to you. minus 16 hardly a landslide of dissenters is it. i would however be only to happy to go head to head with you if there was any way of running a poll . you any ideas einstein
aa aa
12:46pm on 14/7/2012
"must be millions of us going off the posts ha ha"", Your quote is suggesting that you have support, and yet you have nothing but negative responses. Merely correcting you , the deluded fool that you are.
Michael Mcardle
2:37pm on 14/7/2012
well aa aa you prove the saying there is no fool like an old fool lol
Michael Mcardle
2:40pm on 14/7/2012
yeah chris i hope youre right about the donations but its a high price to pay, and little consolation to their children who will now grow up without a father.
Julie Crumpton
11:59am on 15/7/2012
Michael......naughty naughty! You love reelin, them in don't you, ;-)
Michael Mcardle
4:56pm on 16/7/2012
lambs to the slaughter julie. i just give them what they want. a way to vent their anger, an argument , they love it really