How did the father and son die on Bidian nam Bian peak?

Thomas Parry died from head and chest trauma after falling from height, while his son Richard died of hypothermia after suffering head injuries from a fall.

What map did the father and son use for their hike?

The father and son were in possession of a basic map that only showed a GPS route and contour lines, lacking other features.

What was the conclusion of the inquest into the deaths?

The senior coroner concluded that the deaths of Thomas Parry and his son Richard were accidental.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Boy, 12, Freezes to Death 100m From Father's Body

Boy, 12, Freezes to Death 100m From Father's Body

10 Feb

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Summary

Father and son died during a hike on Bidian nam Bian peak.
The boy succumbed to hypothermia after suffering head injuries.
The pair possessed only a basic map with limited route details.

Boy, 12, Freezes to Death 100m From Father's Body

A tragic hiking expedition in the Scottish Highlands concluded with the deaths of Thomas Parry, 49, and his 12-year-old son, Richard. The pair were scaling Bidian nam Bian peak on May 28, 2024, when Thomas Parry fell to his death. His son, Richard, who survived the fall but sustained head injuries, subsequently died of hypothermia approximately 100 metres from his father's body.

The inquest revealed that the father and son were equipped with only a basic map lacking detailed features. A mountain guide had previously advised Thomas Parry about the steepness of the terrain and the presence of cliffs near the summit, and had encountered them seeking advice on the ascent. The weather conditions had deteriorated rapidly, with visibility reduced to about 30 metres due to low cloud.

Thomas Parry last contacted his wife, Gemma, on the morning of their disappearance to inform her of their plans. When they failed to return home as expected, a missing persons report was filed. A search operation led to the discovery of their bodies on May 29, 2024. Post-mortem examinations confirmed Thomas Parry died from head and chest trauma due to a fall, while Richard succumbed to hypothermia following head injuries. The coroner recorded both deaths as accidental.