Renowned free solo rock climber Brad Gobright falls to death in Mexico
Mexico City – A world-renowned rock climber, US national Brad Gobright, fell to his death while climbing a sheer rock face in northern Mexico, authorities said on Thursday.
Gobright, 31, and fellow American Aidan Jacobson, 26, were climbing a route known as the Shining Path in the northern state of Nuevo Leon on Wednesday when they fell, the state's emergency response agency said in a statement.
Witnesses said the men had finished climbing the 900-metre summit and were rappelling back down when the accident occurred.
Jacobson landed on a rock outcrop, but Gobright bounced off and fell another 300 metres to his death, they said.
"Jacobson suffered lesions on his right ankle and various parts of his body. He was treated at our base," the statement said.
Gobright "lost his life after falling around 300 metres".
The late rock climber was known for his gravity-defying solo ascents with no ropes.
Star of the Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo, Alex Honnold, paid tribute to Gobright on social media.
Alex HonnoldI’m so sorry to hear that @bradgobright just died in a climbing accident. He was such a warm, kind soul - one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with. I suppose there’s something to be said about being safe out there and the inherent risks in climbing but I don’t really care about that right now. I’m just sad for Brad and his family. And for all of us who were so positively affected by his life. So crushing. Brad was a real gem of a man. For all his strengths and weaknesses (like his insanely strong fingers, or living out of a Honda Civic...) at the core he was just a good guy. I guess there’s nothing really to say. I’m sad. The climbing world lost a true light. Rest in peace...
