Fatal accident - Aonach Eagach 2023

The Mountain Training community is deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on 5th August 2023 on the Aonach Eagach ridge, resulting in the deaths of David Fowler, Hazel Crombie, and Graham Cox. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to their relatives and friends. David Fowler was an experienced Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors and therefore directly part of our wider community.

The Determination by Sheriff Neil Wilson was published on 16th January 2026. It is a comprehensive analysis of relevant facts and we would recommend everyone in our community read it in full.

Incidents of this kind are exceptionally rare, and the report acknowledges that this accident is the most significant event of its kind in the UK. It has prompted all organisations involved in the training and development of those leading mountaineering and scrambling activities to reflect and learn from it. Relevant training programmes, both pre and post qualification, written resources and other media will all be reviewed to ensure they promote current good practice in this highly technical role.