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British Pensioner Dies Ice Climbing in Italy
9 Feb
Summary
- A 72-year-old British man died ice wall climbing in Italy.
- He fell into freezing rapids after mistaking an ice wall opening.
- Hypothermia is suspected as the cause of death.
A British pensioner, Stephen Lismore, 72, tragically lost his life while ice wall climbing in the Italian Alps on Saturday. While descending the rock face with a companion near Lillaz, Lismore reportedly mistook an opening in the ice wall for a way down. He entered the aperture and was overcome by freezing water from rapids, becoming trapped in sub-zero temperatures.
Rescuers suspect hypothermia was the cause of death, although an investigation is underway to confirm. Lismore's companion raised the alarm, and alpine rescue teams arrived by helicopter at the popular 150m waterfall climbing spot. The conditions were reportedly good, but darkness may have contributed to Lismore's confusion and the difficulty of the rescue operation.
This incident marks the second fatal ice climbing accident in the area this year. A French thrill-seeker died last month after a fall exceeding 10 meters. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are supporting Lismore's family.
