Experienced climber dies in fall

[Daryl]

Experienced climber dies in fall retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8024181.stm

A mountain rescuer and experienced climber has died after falling whilst rock climbing in Snowdonia.

John David Evans, 54, was with team members from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue on a social climb in Llanberis Pass on Tuesday.

Mr Evans, a team member since 1973, suffered severe head injuries after falling a 'considerable distance'.

He was flown by RAF helicopter from to hospital in Bangor but doctors were unable to save his life.

"He was one of the most experienced mountain rescuers," said team member Chris Lloyd.

"The team meets socially to rock climb each Tuesday, to keep skill levels up, and he either slipped, or a hand or foothold came away, and he fell a considerable distance."

Mr Lloyd said very experienced mountain rescue team members were with Mr Evans at the time and they did everything they could to try to save him.

"He was a very experienced man and for 10 years, for six months of the year, he lived in Alaska to take part in mountain rescue there," he said.

"He was self-employed and specialised in mountain guiding, instructing mountain rescuers, and mountain first aid all around the world. He will be sorely missed," Mr Lloyd added.

Mr Evans leaves a partner, and two children of 22 and 18 from a previous marriage.

[Daryl]

A few members of our team have either been taught by or have taught alongside John over the years. He was an inspiration to lots of people and was one of the most experienced people that I will ever know.

John will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with his family