Hiker Kyle Sambrook fell to his death 'in appalling weather because he was carrying his dog,' search teams believe
26 February 2023, 12:50 | Updated: 27 February 2023, 06:50
The bodies of a hillwalker and his dog who went missing in the Scottish Highlands last weekend have been found in Glencoe.
Kyle Sambrook, 33, and his beagle, Bane, were seen last seen in the Lost Valley area of the mountainous region.
Their bodies were recovered by mountain rescue teams and the Coastguard on Saturday afternoon, and have now been identified.
Police Scotland said there didn't appear to be suspicious circumstances.
Mr Sambrook, from West Yorkshire, arrived in the Highlands on February 18 at around 3.30pm intending to walk and wild camp and climb Buachaille Etive Mor, before coming home on Tuesday.
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A search was launched when he failed to return, involving Lochaber, Glencoe, RAF, and Oban and mountain rescue team volunteers, and HM Coastguard.
The force said Mr Sambrook's family "wish to thank all involved in the search and have requested their privacy be respected.
"There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances," the force added.
Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, told the Telegraph: ““He had fallen about 30m into this gully on the west side of the hill and we think the most likely scenario is that he was holding his dog with one hand. It was appalling weather, with strong winds at the time of his fall, and he may have been trying to get off the hill and lost his way a bit.
“We don’t know what navigation system he was using — a mobile phone or GPS etc.
“He also had a heavy rucksack and where he has fallen is very steep ground. It looks like carrying the dog, together with all the other factors, may have been a major cause of the accident and led to both of their deaths sadly.
“We are meeting the family today to pass on our deepest condolences over this tragic outcome.”
Police Scotland said in a statement: "“The family has been notified, and a formal ID will occur in due course,” said the force.
“The family have thanked all involved in searching for Kyle and Bane and requested that their privacy be respected at this time. Our thoughts remain with Kyle’s family, and we support them at this difficult time.”"
