Climbers likely died after one or all of them slipped

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 at Fort William Sheriff Court heard evidence from members of Scotland’s climbing community about conditions on the mountain ridge.

Sheriff Neil Wilson said the inquiry felt personal to him because of his own involvement in mountaineering and he thanked the climbers 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.

Mr 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.”

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 long ridge above Glen Coe is popular with climbers.

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