French Mountaineer Dies on Aconcagua Summit
A French mountaineer, Guillaume Ferey, tragically passed away on January 12, 2023, near the summit of Aconcagua. His death occurred at “La Cueva,” located approximately 6,700 meters from sea level, in a section known as “La Canaleta.” The incident happened around 11:57 AM local time.
Details of the Incident
Ferey collapsed suddenly while accompanied by guiding personnel. Despite immediate efforts to administer CPR, he was unresponsive and showed no vital signs. Rescue patrols were promptly notified of the situation.
Recovery Efforts
The rescue team arrived about an hour after Ferey’s collapse and confirmed his passing. Plans are in place to retrieve his body the following day. The goal is to transport it to a lower elevation for a proper evacuation.
Context of the Fatality
This tragic event marks the second fatality this climbing season on Aconcagua. On January 4, another mountaineer, Konstantin Bitiukov from Russia, also lost his life. He died near “El Hombro,” a location close to where Ferey succumbed.
Historical Impact
Ferey’s death is noted as the 163rd recorded fatality during attempts to ascend Aconcagua. This statistic highlights the dangers faced by climbers on the mountain, particularly as we mark a century since the first recorded death, that of Austrian climber Hans Stepanek.
- Victim: Guillaume Ferey
- Nationality: French
- Location of Incident: La Cueva, Aconcagua
- Time of Death: 11:57 AM, January 12, 2023
- Second Fatality This Season: Yes
- Previous Fatality: Konstantin Bitiukov (Russian), January 4, 2023
The climbing community continues to mourn these losses, reminding many of the inherent risks involved in high-altitude mountaineering on Aconcagua.
