Update: Walker killed after falling 600ft from Scafell named as West Yorkshire man (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Update: Walker killed after falling 600ft from Scafell named as West Yorkshire man

9:00am Wednesday 12th December 2012 in News By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter

A WALKER who died after slipping on frozen snow and plunging 600ft on Scafell has been named as 53-year-old James Blackburn.

Mr Blackburn, of Darrington in West Yorkshire, fell from the Lord’s Rake traverse path, in the Red Gill area, at around 10am on Monday.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said initial inquiries suggested there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and that the coroner had been informed.

A 64-year-old Nottingham man who was walking with Mr Blackburn had to be rescued by an RAF Sea King helicopter after becoming stranded on crags.

He was airlifted to the West Cumberland Hospital suffering from shock and the effects of the cold and later discharged.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team sent 17 of its members to the scene, while volunteers from Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team also helped.

The RAF assisted mountain rescuers in recovering Mr Blackburn's body and winched his companion to safety in what rescuers described as a 'challenging' operation which lasted around four hours.

A spokesman for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said its thoughts were with Mr Blackburn's family and friends.

He added: "Walkers are reminded that the high fells are still in full winter conditions, especially north facing gullies, where ice axes and crampons are essential along with the knowledge and experience of how to use them in the event of a slip or trip on snow and ice slopes. 

"Map, compass and torch are also essential when navigating in poor conditions. Practice in their use is very important before needing to be used."