Family of climber who died on K2 pays tributes

THE FAMILY of Co Limerick mountaineer Gerard McDonnell who died hours after becoming the first Irishman to climb the world’s second highest peak, K2, has paid tribute to all those in Ireland and Pakistan who have offered them support in the past fortnight.

In a statement issued on the eve of this weekend’s memorial ceremony for Mr McDonnell, his family say that they are “now happy that our beloved Gerard died a hero”.

Five members of the McDonnell family who returned from Pakistan earlier this week say they were informed by two surviving climbers that the Irishman had stopped on his descent from the 8,611m (28,250ft) summit to help three climbers who were in difficulty.

“After trying to assist these climbers, Gerard continued on his descent, until he was hit by a significant ice fall, resulting in his untimely death,” the statement said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to sympathise with the many other families who lost loved ones on K2. We would also like to thank our many friends and neighbours for their support at this sad time.”

The five representatives of the family met Dutch Norit K2 expedition leader Wilco van Rooijen and fellow Dutch climber Cas van de Gevel at the Irish Embassy in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, last Sunday to ascertain what had happened on the mountain.

Mr van Rooijen and colleagues are travelling to Ireland to attend the memorial ceremony tomorrow in Kilcornan, Co Limerick.

The 37-year-old engineer, who had been based in Alaska for the last 11 years and summited Everest in 2003, was among a group of four from the Dutch-led expedition who reached the summit of K2 on August 1st.

Hours later, he was among 11 mountaineers of several nationalities who were reported missing and feared dead. At least half of the group are believed to have been trapped at one stage in a steep and exposed gully known as the “Bottleneck” above 8,200m.

In their statement, Mr McDonnell’s family describe how they were “welcomed with open arms” by all who they met in Islamabad and were “taken aback by the depth of sincerity shown to us”.

“To all in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan ministry of tourism, Pakistan embassy, Concern in Pakistan and Jasmine Tours, we are eternally grateful for the help afforded to us as we made our journey.

“We met with Gerard’s colleagues from the Norit Expedition team and in addition to providing us with information, they shared in our grief. We are now happy in the knowledge that our beloved Gerard died a hero. Gerard had made a phone call from the summit and was happy, feeling strong and in the best of health.

It continued: “Ní gá a ná go raibh saol iomlán ag Gearóid. Tug sé an onóir da tír agus da dochas. Go ndeineann Dia trócaire ar a anamh croga dílis.”

The memorial Mass and celebration of Mr McDonnell’s life will take place at 1.30pm in Kilcornan community centre, and will be attended by his mother Gertie, brother JJ, sisters Martha, Stephanie and Denise, girlfriend Annie Starky and extended family.

The family has suggested donations be made to Mr McDonnell’s favourite charities: the Irish Mountain Rescue Association; Milford Hospice; Limerick Irish Heart Foundation; Nepalese Children’s Education Fund; and Concern.