Fatality above Chamonix: a fatal fall above Chamonix at Whymper Couloir, on the Aiguille Verte.
Sunday, 22 June 2014, a French alpinist in his 30's fell more than 100m to his death. The mountaineer had come to the Chamonix valley with a friend to climb the Aiguille Verte (4122 meters), via the south side of the Whymper Couloir.
After a successful ascension, the two decided to use the same route for their descent. When the accident occurred, the two climbers were half way through the Whymper Couloir. One of the two climbers, lost his balance and rolled down the couloir. His companion immediately alerted the Chamonix PGHM (Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne).
On arrival, the PGHM rescuers quickly found the mountaineer's body, at the base of the corridor, but could only confirm the death of the climber. The alpinist's companion, who joined a group of mountaineers, descended to the Couvercle Refuge, where he was recovered by the PGHM.
The causes of the accident are still undetermined, but it is likely that the fall was caused by a lack of attention.
The PGHM rescuers strongly advise everyone to pay attention to every move made while climbing, skiing or snowboarding. A simple misplaced step can cost you not only your vacation, but your life.
