A CLIMBER was killed yesterday after he plunged 100ft down a Snowdonia mountainside. Tragedy struck as the man prepared to climb 3,000ft Ogwen Valley peak Glyder Fach. The 25-year old, believed to be from Upton, in Cheshire, suffered severe head injuries. Police alerted the mountain rescue team and scrambled a rescue helicopter from RAF Valley when the alarm was raised shortly before 1pm. Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team spokesman Chris Lloyd said the man and his climbing companion walked to the foot of the route. They were preparing to climb a steep slope when he fell. He added: "The two men had made their way to the foot of the route and were preparing to start when the man slipped. "He fell about 100ft, suffering severe head injuries. "His colleague made his way down to his friend, calling for help as he went. "Other climbers and walkers in the area went to assist and a mobile telephone call to the emergency services was made. "Police alerted the team and a rescue helicopter was scrambled. The aircraft was able to get close to the cliff face and winched the casualty aboard. "He was airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd, in Bangor, but sadly he died a short time later." The two men were said to have been reasonably well equipped for their planned route. Rescuers described the weather as "gloriously sunny but cold" with greasy condit i o n s underfoot. It is believed the climber was familiar with the area. Mr Lloyd said: " We believe the man who died had visited Snowdonia last weekend and had completed the route up Glyder Fach with another member of his family. "He had returned this weekend to carry out the same route with a friend." A North Wales Police spokeswoman said the climb-er's details would not be released until family members were informed of the tragedy. North west Wales coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones has been informed and an inquest is likely to be opened. | 
