British climber, 28, plunges 200ft to his death near summit of one of Spain’s highest mountains

A British climber has fallen to his death on one of the highest mountains in northern Spain.

Local reports said the 28-year-old was just 65ft from the summit of Torrecerredo, in the Picos de Europa mountain range, on Thursday when he plunged 200ft.

Emergency responders received the first alert around 1.30pm yesterday, and the British mountaineer was pronounced dead at the scene. 

His remains were transported to La Morgal, a regional sports, aviation and emergency services complex in Llanera near the Asturian cities of Oviedo and Gijon. 

Confirming details of the incident, a regional emergency services responder said: ‘The alert was received at 1.27pm yesterday (THURS), reporting a person had fallen 40 to 60 metres and had possibly died.

‘The Civil Guard was informed, and a rescue group doctor was sent to confirm the condition of the person who had fallen so the GREIM mountain search and rescue team could be deployed in the event of a fatality.

‘At 2.18pm the rescue doctor confirmed the climber’s death but had to remain at the scene, guarding the body, until 3.28pm when the Civil Guard helicopter with the GREIM experts on board arrived in the area.

‘The deceased person’s remains were also transported in the Civil Guard aircraft to La Morgal, where funeral services were waiting, as requested by the police force.’

It was not immediately clear this morning who raised the alarm and whether the unnamed British man was alone or accompanied by family or friends.

It is unclear whether he was on his way up or down the 8,690ft mountain. 

The tragedy in northern Spain comes just days after a Norwegian hiker died in an accident on the Cares Trail, one of the most popular trekking paths within the Picos de Europa.

The 71-year-old slipped after losing his balance and plunging several feet as he tried to put a heavy rucksack on his back on September 19.