The family of a Royal Marine who died after slipping from a “slabby rock” while climbing a Munro in the Highlands have said they are “heartbroken” by his death.
Colour sergeant Richard ‘Reggie’ Melia was with a climbing companion on Buachaille Etive Mòr, in Glencoe, when he slipped and fell roughly 50 metres at around 11.15am on Saturday, April 8.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The family of the 40-year-old, who was a father, have revealed his death has left a “gaping hole in our lives”.
A statement from his family read: “It is with broken hearts that we must inform you of the untimely death of colour sergeant Richard Thomas Melia Royal Marines, aged 40 years old.
“Rick (also known as Reggie in the Corps) died on Saturday, April 8, in a climbing accident whilst ascending Stob Dearg’s Crowberry Ridge in Glencoe, Scotland.
“Rick was a son, brother, husband, and father, and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and comrades. His passing has devastated us all and left a gaping hole in our lives that will be impossible to fill.
“The family and his close friends are grieving and still trying to make sense of it all, but we will provide details of the funeral in due course. For now, please feel free to share this post and reach out to people who knew him, and express your condolences below.
“However, we would appreciate it if people would refrain from directly messaging or calling the family at this time.
“We know that this news is going to be extremely hard for a lot of people to hear, so please look after each other so that you will be able to help us honour Rick’s life appropriately, in due course.
“Thank you all for your support at this difficult time.”
His climbing companion, who was stuck on a ledge about 2,000ft up, was roped to safety by members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team.
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