Family pay tribute after experienced mountaineer dies in climbing accident on Ben Nevis

A family has been left “heartbroken and devastated” after an experienced mountaineer died in a climbing accident on Ben Nevis.

Rob Brown, 33, died after getting into difficulty on the North face of the mountain on Friday, July 29.

His family took to social media to share details of his death, revealing it was “tragic” and “couldn’t have been prevented”.

They also paid tribute to the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team who helped retrieve his body following the accident.

The tribute read: “On Friday, July 29, 2022, we lost Rob to a climbing accident on the North Face of Ben Nevis. It was a beautiful day and he was excited to enjoy it in the mountains, as he always loved doing with his free time.

“Anyone that knows Rob knows he is experienced, calm, confident and not a risk-taker on the hill and Friday was no different.

“It was a tragic accident that couldn’t have been prevented and we want everyone to know it was quick and painless for him. He left us whilst having a great day out and was happy and content with his life.

“We are all absolutely heartbroken and devastated that he has had to leave us when he had so much more life left to give and with such an exciting future ahead.

“We are grateful for everyone that has reached out to us so far – to help and support us in so many ways – whilst we navigate the unimaginable.

“Thank you to the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team members who helped retrieve Rob and his belongings. Many of whom knew Rob personally and we are so grateful.

“We would like to host a celebration of Rob’s life in the next few weeks and will share plans and a date when we can. It would mean the world to all of us if you knew Rob and could join, to help share your memories and stories of him.”

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said: “It’s been an extremely hard few days for the team and we’d like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who’s supported Robs family and friends in this difficult time.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.15am on Friday, July 29, we received a report of a man having fallen at Zero Gully, Ben Nevis.

“Following a mountain rescue, the body of a 33-year-old man was recovered.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

“A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”