Fall from Benbulben Mountain ends in tragedy

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team were tasked to the Benbulben forest walk area, where a climber had sustained a serious injury.

"Two local climbers were out climbing a gully above the Benbulben Forest Walk when the accident occurred," stated Henry Doherty, Spokesperson for Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team.

"The climber, a local man in his forties," continued Henry Doherty, "slipped while climbing the gully, sustaining a serious head injury. Both climbers were active members of Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team."

15 Mountain Rescue volunteers responded to the call and rushed to the scene; they were accompanied by two ambulances from the National Ambulance Service and Members of An Garda Siochána. Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118 was dispatched from Strandhill to assist in the operation.

A helicopter rescue from the mountain could not be attempted due to the location and prevailing winds but was able to provide extra illumination from the helicopter as the light began to fade. Four paramedics attended the scene alongside mountain rescue personnel and despite their best efforts they could not revive their colleague.

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He was lifted onto a stretcher to be lowered off the mountain. The operation to retrieve their colleague was very precarious as the terrain was very steep and the weather started to deteriorate, making conditions very difficult underfoot. A break rope was deployed on the stretcher to assist with extraction off the mountain.

Despite the worsening conditions there was a concerted effort by all team members to bring their friend home.

"As a team we are all devastated at the loss of our friend and colleague, for almost decade he was a dedicated member of the team coming to assist those in need.

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"He was compassionate, professional, friendly and always had a big smile wherever you would meet him," concluded Mr. Doherty.

"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family at what is a very difficult time.

"We would also like to reassure the public that as we go through this period of mourning that the team is fully operational and ready to respond to anyone who may get into difficulty in the upland areas of Sligo and Leitrim.

"Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team wish to thank An Garda Siochána, the National Ambulance Service and Coast Guard Rescue 118 for their assistance in the operation."