An Irish climber has died on an expedition to Mount Elbrus in Russia.
Alan Mahon (40), from Monasterevin in Kildare died after becoming caught in bad weather on the Russian mountain. He’s understood to have been with a group of other Irish climbers.
The group got into difficulty when descending Mount Elbrus on Sunday and were forced to take refuge in a nearby safety hut for two nights.
DW reported that “the group lost their way while descending the mountain at the altitude of around 5,250 metres (17,224 feet)” due to poor visibility.
Russia’s Emergency Ministry confirmed that “one Irish tourist, born in 1979, passed away presumably due to heart failure” during the descent.
Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak at 5,642m (18,510 ft), is in southern Russia, near the Georgian border.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
Mr Mahon’s death brings to three the number of Irish climbers who have died on mountains this season.
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