Brothers watched dad plunge to death off 130ft cliff on hike to Ben Nevis

Two brothers have told how they watched as their dad plunged to his death while hiking to Ben Nevis on Sunday.

Dr Nathan Turner has been named as the man who fell 130ft while walking with his sons and one of their friends on the Carn Mor Dearg Arete at the weekend.

The dentist, who was from Worcestershire, “slipped off the edge” of the steep mountain edge in front of them, one of his sons said.

They then unsuccessfully tried to reach him and a ten-person mountain rescue crew, and coastguard helicopter scrambled to the scene to attempt to rescue him.

But the 66-year-old could not be saved.

One of his sons told The Times: “It’s more of a scramble than a hike. We got to the top, walking along the arête, and he slipped and fell.

“I went down to see where he’d fallen, so did my friend who was hiking with us. My brother was at the top of the ridge.”

He added: “They were fantastic, mountain rescue, hats off to them, they’re heroes.

“They got the helicopter in, right by this narrow gap where my dad had fallen. They ziplined down, pulled my dad up, then pulled me up and my friend up.”

Clent Dental Care in Hagley, Dr Turner’s surgery, also paid tribute to the “much loved” dentist.

On Facebook, a statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you of the recent passing of Dr. Nathan Turner. He was loved very much by his patients and thoroughly enjoyed his work.

“Clent Dental Care will be closed tomorrow as a mark of respect and we hope to resume on Wednesday.

“Please bear with us as we contact each patient individually who has pending treatment plans with Dr. Turner.”

Iain Murray, of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said: “He fell a considerable distance in a very steep place.

“I believe he had two of his sons with him and so this is a particularly tragic event for them.”

A report on Dr Turner’s death is due to be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.