Inquest verdict on death of Long Preston climber (From Craven Herald)
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Inquest verdict on death of Long Preston climber
1:56pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in News
Grant Cunliffe, who was killed while walking in the Scottish mountains
Seven months after outdoor instructor and exhibition leader Grant Cunliffe went missing on a Scottish mountain, a coroner has recorded a verdict that he died as a result of an accident while walking in the Cairngorms.
Mr Cunliffe’s body was found by an RAF training pilot on June 7 after he was last heard of in a text to his wife, Linda, on January 18, in which he told her he was “on the mountain, it was minus 17 with wind-chill”.
When he failed to return to his car, a search was launched in the area of the Lairig Ghru, involving more than 180 volunteers, an RAF helicopter and search and rescue dogs. However, on January 24, it was called off as it was believed he had died.
North Yorkshire Coroner, Rob Turnbull was told that Mr Cunliffe, 49, of West End, Long Preston , had died of head and spinal injuries and his body was found on the south side of Braeilach.
The former Barnoldswick hairdresser, who had two daughters, had been training to become a winter outdoor activities assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme when he disappeared.
