Any adventure, no matter how thrilling or exciting, comes with inherent risks. A tragic saga unfolded on the rugged slopes of Mount Kenya as it led to the demise of two people. The catastrophic incident claimed the life of a British mother while she was descending the mountain.

However, this was not the end, her guide while attempting to save her from falling to death, also lost his life. The article revolves around what led Africa’s second-highest mountain to become the seat of this harrowing event.  

Challenging climbing expedition leads to fatal outcome

Shilpa Shah, the 60-year-old mother of one and a London resident on her way back from her successful ascent to Point Lenana slipped on a patch of ice. Descent from the third-highest summit, Shah plummeted hundreds of feet off the edge of a rock face. The sudden loss of a “beautiful soul with a radiant smile” has left her close ones in shock. 

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Based on the reports of the Mirror the memorial said, “She gave everything to all without expecting anything in return and will be deeply missed. She enjoyed the great outdoors and was an inspiration to all her family and friends. Shilpa was one of a kind, whose passing will leave an everlasting hole in our lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.”

The demise of Shah led to the untimely death of her guide, Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi who in an attempt to save her was pulled over the precipice. With the two back-to-back news of death, the climbing group of seven and their guides have been stuck in a dire state of shock. 

Difficulties present the Naro Moru route nullifies rescue efforts

The Naro Moru route is often preferred by climbers since it does not require much technical expertise or climbing experience. But the time when Shah embarked on a climbing endeavor in October, is considered to be the rainy season in East Africa.  

The freezing temperature, paired with muddy and slippery trails caused by heavy downpours, turned the trekking route into treacherous paths. Large patches of ice turned to a fatal descent, and the considerable challenges further added to the challenge faced during the climbing endeavor.  

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Besides the climbers, the rescue efforts were also deterred by the difficult weather conditions. It was after repeated attempts that the rescue officials succeeded in reaching the spot on Friday afternoon. The bodies of the deceased were recovered, followed by which Shah’s remains were flown to Nairobi, and Kelvin’s body was collected by his family from a hospital in Kenya.

Standing 5,199 m above sea level, the second-highest mountain in Africa that is scaled by 15,000 people a year has become a site of horror, leaving the climbing community in shock. The unfortunate event also highlights the need to respect the formidable power of nature while undertaking adventures in extreme weather conditions and difficult terrains.

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