French Climber Dies on Aconcagua
A tragic incident occurred on Aconcagua when a French climber lost his life near the summit. The deceased was identified as Guillaume Ferey. He passed away at approximately 6,700 meters, in a section known as “La Cueva,” close to the area referred to as “La Canaleta.”
Details of the Incident
The accident happened around 11:57 AM when Ferey suddenly collapsed, according to his accompanying guides. Despite immediate attempts to perform CPR, he showed no signs of life. Rescue personnel were notified promptly.
Rescue teams arrived within an hour but were unable to revive him. Ferey’s death marks the second fatality this climbing season on Aconcagua, following the passing of a Russian climber, Konstantin Bitiukov, on January 4th.
History of Fatalities on Aconcagua
This incident is notable in the context of climbing history. Here are some key facts related to climber fatalities on Aconcagua:
- Guillaume Ferey’s death is the 163rd recorded fatality during ascents of Aconcagua.
- Ferey’s death occurred precisely 100 years after the first recorded death on the mountain.
- The first recorded fatality was an Austrian climber, Hans Stepanek.
Efforts to recover Ferey’s body are planned for the following day. The aim is to safely transport it to a lower altitude for appropriate evacuation.
Conclusion
The climbing community mourns the loss of Guillaume Ferey. Climbing Aconcagua poses significant risks, and safety precautions are paramount for all climbers in the region.
