A 42-year-old Irishman has died on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Ian McKeever was well known for his charity work, adventuring and mountaineering.
He was heavily involved with climbing specialists Kilimanjaro Achievers, and was a world record-breaking climber. In 2007, he broke the world record for climbing the highest summit on each of the seven continents
He was leading a group of climbers, including several people from Ireland, when it is believed they were struck by lightning earlier yesterday. The other people on the trip, which was in its fourth day, received medical assistance. However, their injuries are not serious.
Late last night Mr McKeever’s family confirmed his death on his Facebook page “Ian McKeever’s Kilimanjaro Achievers 2012”.
“It is with deep regret, that we, Ian’s family, fiancee Anna and friends, advise of his sudden death on Kilimanjaro, today, doing what he loved best,” the posting said.
Mr McKeever was a communications lecturer and broadcaster. He also wrote two books. The Department of Foreign Affairs is offering consular assistance.