A man in his 40s has died after sustaining a head injury while climbing a gully above the Benbulben Forest Walk in Sligo last night.
Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team (SLMRT) confirmed two of its active male members got into difficulty at around 10pm, with one sustaining fatal head injuries.
In a statement released today, SLMRT said they were devastated at the loss of their colleague, who they described as ‘compassionate and professional’.
“As a team, we are all devastated at the loss of our friend and colleague, for almost a decade he was a dedicated member of the team coming to assist those in need,” said Henry Doherty, spokesperson for SLMRT.
“He was compassionate, professional, friendly and always had a big smile wherever you would meet him.”
He extended condolences on behalf of the team towards the man’s family.
“We would also like to reassure the public that as we go through this period of mourning that the team is fully operational and ready to respond to anyone who may get into difficulty in the upland areas of Sligo and Leitrim,” Mr Doherty added.
Fifteen members of the mountain rescue team, as well as two ambulances, members of An Garda Siochana and the Rescue 118 helicopter were tasked to the scene.
However, a helicopter rescue could not be completed due to the location of the casualty, and prevailing winds. The man was subsequently stretchered off the mountain as conditions worsened, making the steep ground ‘slippery and the operation increasingly difficult to complete’.
Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team also expressed their thanks to An Garda Síochana, the National Ambulance Service, and the Coast Guard Rescue 118 Helicopter.