Popular Swedish mountaineer, skiier and explorer Fredrik Ericsson has fallen to his death following an attempt to climb K2.




K2 tragedy
The 35 year old, commonly known as 'Frippe' died whilst attempting the final part of his bid to reach the peak of the world's second highest mountain.

Ericsson had hoped to become the first man to ski from the summit of the mountain to Base Camp.

The skiier's official website has tried to explain how the tragic accident occured as Ericsson set out on the latest leg with fellow climbers Trey Cook and Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner:

"Several hours later, as the three climbers reached the base of the bottle neck, Trey decided to return to camp 4. He arrived back at about 5:30am in low visibility and high winds.

According to a conversation with Gerlinde, Fredrik was fixing rope to the rock in the bottle neck above her when he lost purchase and was unable to arrest his fall. This happened some time between 7 and 8am. Later it was determined he fell about 1000m and did not survive."

Reports suggest it will be impossible to retrieve the body. A memorial service for Ericsson was held yesterday at Base Camp.

[source: explorersweb.com ]