Student dies in mountaineering accident in Alps

A 19-YEAR-OLD University of Edinburgh student has died in a mountaineering accident in the French Alps.

Robbie Cammack fell 1300ft after he was trapped on a mountain during a storm, it is reported today.

It is thought that the medical student and his climbing partner set out last Tuesday in a bid to climb the Frendo Spur on the Aiguille du Midi.

On Wednesday the pair called mountain rescue to say they were lost at around 10,000ft but a rescue helicopter had to turn back because of stormy conditions, leaving them stranded for 48 hours. A search team which set off on foot also had to turn back.

While the pair awaited rescue, it is reported that Mr Cammack slipped form the belay holding him in place and fell to his death.

A helicopter was able to take off on Thursday and managed to rescue Mr Cammack's climbing partner, who was suffering from mild hypothermia.

Mr Cammack's body was recovered on Friday.

Robbie's family paid tribute to the young Scot, originally from Craigellachie, Moray.

His father Adrian reportedly said: "Robbie loved life and brought a laugh and inspiration to so many people - he will be deeply missed."

A spokesman for Chamonix mountain rescue said they did not know the circumstances surrounding his fall, and added: "They had good sleeping bags and cold weather gear and the temperature wasn't too low."

Mr Cammack was a member of the university's mountaineering club, and the group's website said the teenager lived in the club's flat, known as Graham Brown House, in Nicholson Street, with five other members.

He was also a member of the Moray Roadrunners club. A statement on the running club website said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce (at the request of his family) that Robbie Cammack died this weekend due to an unfortunate accident whilst climbing in the French Alps.

"19-year-old Robbie will be remembered by many in the club and our heartfelt condolences go to his parents and family."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in the French Alps. Next of kin are receiving consular assistance."

n A man, believed to be in his 20s, fell around 10 metres from Salisbury Crags after apparently attempting to climb the cliff face yesterday afternoon.

Police and ambulance were called to the scene at 4.30pm. The man was taken to the ERI suffering from a suspected punctured lung.