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Inquest Finds Snowdon Student’s 500ft Fall Accidental

The coroner cited disorientation in violent weather as the likely cause.

Overview

  • John Aravinth, 20, called his father to say he was lost and made two dropped 999 calls in which he was described as distressed and requesting mountain rescue.
  • Rescuers faced gusts up to 78mph in conditions described as beyond atrocious, with more than 35 personnel searching over about 18 hours and pausing the effort overnight.
  • A coastguard helicopter crew located his body at Cwm Glas, where he was found to have fallen more than 150 metres and suffered a fatal head injury.
  • He had set out on the Llanberis Path with his family before his father and sister turned back due to wet, windy weather and poor visibility, and he continued alone.
  • Evidence at the inquest noted extreme shortsightedness and misted glasses, and officials said he likely strayed from the path and either slipped, was blown off the ridge, or entered a gully.