Tragedy strikes on Kilimanjaro as Irish adventurer is killed by lightning

Irish record-breaking mountain climber and adventurer Ian McKeever was tragically killed by lightning yesterday as he team was attempting to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

By Declan Whooley

The experienced climber was struck by lightning a day after bad weather had hampered the team’s climb. The 42 year-old was part of a large group, including more than 20 from Ireland, and others required medical treatment, though no one else was fatally injured. The group failed to reach the top of Africa’s largest mountain.

A well-known charity fundraiser, McKeever worked as a radio presenter for AA Roadwatch and also worked in public relations as a life coach. Irish explorer Pat Falvey as well as RTE’s Joe Duffy and Sile Seoige were among the first to offer their condolences.

“I am absolutely shocked to hear about the death of my friend Ian. It was a freak accident and a complete fluke. I have lost two friends in lightning strikes, including one on the Himalayas - but they are very rare on Kilimanjaro,” Pat Falvey told the Irish Independent.

McKeever broke the Seven Peaks Challenge in 2007 by 32 days while the following year he climbed Croagh Patrick an incredible 35 times in 80 hours. In 2009 he was part of the crew that attempted to row the South Atlantic in less than 30 days, though this failed when the boat lost its rudder.

He was very familiar with what turned out to be his final climb. McKeever was a leading member of the Kilimanjaro Achievers Team and in 2006 he helped his grandson to become the youngest person from Europe to scale the 5,895m peak aged just 10.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Main pic credit: The Irish Examiner.