Man may have been on peak overnight
Gardai are appealing for help in identifying a man whose body was found at the summit of Croagh Patrick
A climber who died on the summit of Croagh Patrick could have been there overnight.
Gardai are appealing for help to identify the man, whose remains were discovered by a group on Friday afternoon.
It is believed the victim, aged in his mid-60s, died on the Co Mayo site of pilgrimage after a fall. He had several fractures on both legs when examined by a paramedic lowered from the Sligo-based coastguard helicopter.
Gardai said the man could have been at the scene since Thursday.
A post-mortem examination will be held to determine the cause of death, which is suspected to be hypothermia or a heart attack.
A coastguard spokesman said weather conditions were so blustery during the operation members of Mayo Mountain Rescue team and gardai had to climb The Reek to recover the remains.
He added: "The helicopter was proceeding to lift gardai to the scene but because of the weather conditions they had to abort the mission. The weather was horrendous.
"The helicopter crew said it was very dangerous for them. There were severe winds."
Gardai later confirmed they hope to identify the dead man through a car which was located in a car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
Press Association
