Young couple found dead on Ben Nevis laid to rest by rescue team

A funeral has been held for two climbers who died on Ben Nevis.

Rachel Slater and Tim Newton died on Ben Nevis

The couple, Rachel Slater, 24 and Tim Newton, 27, were laid to rest together in Glen Nevis near Britain’s highest peak.

Members of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, who led the searches for the couple, were pallbearers at the private service in Fort William yesterday.

In a statement posted on the team’s Facebook page, they said: “There was a small private funeral for Tim and Rachel in Fort William. Following a service at the Duncansburgh Church, the young couple were laid to rest together in Glen Nevis in the shadow of Ben Nevis.

“The team were honoured to be asked by the families to act as pallbearers. Two pipers from the team also played the lament which provided an emotional farewell. RIP Tim and Rachel.”

The experienced climbers, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, were reported missing on 15 February after failing to return from a climb on Ben Nevis.

Following extensive searches, often hampered by hazardous weather and avalanche risks, their bodies were found more than five weeks later on 23 March.

They were found by a member of the public and carried off the mountain by members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.