Climber who died on Croagh Patrick summit could have been there all night
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 at about noon.
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.
"The helicopter was proceeding to lift gardai to the scene but because of the weather conditions they had to abort the mission," he said.
"The weather was horrendous.
"The helicopter crew said it was very dangerous for them. There were severe winds."
- Sarah Stack
