Scottish man dies after falling while climbing volcano

Tributes to 25-year-old Israeli-Scot Gil Banks were paid on social media following his death.

Glasgow man dies after falling during Rucu Pichincha volcano climb in Ecuador — Eucador: Gil Banks was attempting to climb the Rucu Pichincha volcano. Facebook

17th Aug 2022

A Scottish man has died after falling while climbing a volcano in South America.

Gil Banks, who grew up in Glasgow, fell on the slopes of the Rucu Pichincha volcano, located near the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, on Sunday.

The death of the 25-year-old, who had emigrated with his family from Scotland to Israel, was announced by the Israeli embassy in Ecuador.

A statement from the embassy said: “We express our solidarity for this sensitive loss and extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends.”

Tributes to the Israeli-Scot, a keen runner, were paid on social media.

Eduardo Finkelstein, who met him when he was the triathlon head coach in the town of Caesarea, said: “I remember [him] with his wild red hair, great smile and [as] an extraordinary runner.

“My sincerest condolences [to] the family at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Mr Banks attended Calderwood Lodge Primary School in Newton Mearns, before going to Mearns Castle High School.

Oz Hochman said: “You were a perfect and loving friend and a person that wherever he goes he gives and receives a lot of love. It was a great honor and fun for me to be part of his journey that was supposed to end completely differently.”