02/03/2010

Glencoe Avalanche Fatalities Named

The names of two men killed in an avalanche at Glencoe have been released by police.

Northern Constabulary said the men where Christopher Walker, 29, a mountain instructor from Cumbria, and Robert Pritchard, 37, from New Moulden, Surrey.

A police spokesman said no photographs of the deceased would be released, nor would their respective families be making any statements to the press.

"The families of both men request that their privacy be respected as this very sad time," added the spokesman.

Police and Glencoe Mountain Rescue attended reports of an avalance at Glencoe in the 'Curved Ridge' area or Buchaille Etive Mhor at around 4.45pm last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, two other men are recovering after being caught in another avalanche at the weekend.

Police received an emergency call at 9.25am on Saturday reporting that two men had been caught up in an avalanche in the Glencoe area, near Fort William.

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team responded with police, and with the assistance of the Royal Navy Rescue helicopter from Prestwick, the two men were located in the Cam Ghleann area of Glencoe and airlifted to safety.

Both were taken to Belford Hospital, Fort William, where one of the men was treated for a leg injury. Their injuries are not life threatening.

"The rescue was complicated by the unstable snow conditions in the area and police would like to remind the public about the Scottish Avalanche Information Service," said a police spokesman.

He warned: "The current Avalanche Hazard forecast/assessment for the Lochaber area generally and in particular the Glencoe and Creag Meagaidh areas is high."

(PR/GK)

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