Gerard McDonnell, the Limerick climber who died after becoming the first Irishman to climb K2, the world’s second highest mountain, is to be conferred posthumously with an Italian alpine rescue award.
Mr McDonnell’s family will receive the Targa d’Argento Pinzolo Gold Medal on his behalf for his decision to risk his own life to assist others.
The 37-year-old is believed to have been struck by a large chunk of glacial ice after he spent a number of hours assisting several Korean climbers and their Sherpa on the descent from K2 on August 2nd, 2008.
Mountain Rescue Ireland nominated McDonnell for the award, which was initiated in 1972 by Angiolino Binelli, then chief of the Pinzolo Alpine Rescue Squad in Italy.
After participating in a difficult rescue, Binelli felt that a specific accolade was required for members of the mountain community who had distinguished themselves in assisting others.
The Targa d’Argento honours those who risk their life for others in the mountains.
In 1999, Mr McDonnell was one of two climbers to be awarded the Denali Pro Pin for his efforts in rescuing five climbers on Denali, Alaska’s highest peak at 6,194 metres.
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