Wife tells of mountain tragedy

8:19pm Monday 18th June 2007

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The wife of an adventurer fatally injured in a mountain accident told last night how he died in her arms.

Christopher Parratt, 32, was walking on Mount Tryfan's east face in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, with his wife Jennifer when tragedy struck on Saturday evening.

Mr Parratt, from Drayton St Leonard, near Berinsfield, fell as he tried to find a way off the mountain when low cloud descended.

Mrs Parratt scrambled down the rockface and tried to save him using first aid instructions relayed by mountain rescuers on her mobile phone.

But he was later pronounced dead at hospital in Bangor, north Wales.

Last night Mrs Parratt paid tribute to her husband's spirit and love of the outdoors.

She said: "Although the accident was desperately tragic he died doing something he loved and in the arms of his wife.

"He will be deeply missed by me, his dog, family and friends for his love, his kindness, his enthusiasm and his intense zest for life.

"Donations can be sent in memory of Chris to the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team who did all they possibly could in the rescue effort."

Rescuers rushed to the scene at about 7pm following a 999 call from Mrs Parratt.

An RAF helicopter and Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team helped Mrs Parratt and the couple's pet Labrador off the mountain.

Rescue team spokesman Chris Lloyd said the couple had got disorientated in low cloud and descended on to steep ground while trying to find a route. He added: "It appears Mr Parratt may have gone ahead to reconnoitre the way but slipped."

Mr Parratt was a partner at Product Development Technologies in Great Milton.

UK office manager Greg Nielan paid tribute to Mr Parratt and said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family.

"Chris lived his life to the full and will be greatly missed."