Scottish climber Rick Allen dies in K2 avalanche
- Published
Rick Allen was caught in an avalanche on the south-east face of K2
A Scottish climber has died after attempting a new route on K2 in Pakistan to raise money for a development charity.
It is understood Rick Allen was caught in an avalanche on the mountain's south-east face.
The 68-year-old's death was announced by the charity Partners Relief and Development.
The UK Foreign Office said it was aware of reports that a British citizen had died while climbing K2.
Aberdeen-born Mr Allen's two climbing partners, Jordi Tosas of Spain and Stephan Keck of Austria, were reportedly rescued without major injuries.
K2 stands at 8,611m (28,251ft) and is the world's second highest mountain. It is also regarded as one of the most challenging and dangerous to climb.
It is understood Mr Allen was to be buried at the foot of K2.
Partners Relief and Development said in a statement: "It is with great sadness to announce that Rick Allen, a member of the board and also a great friend, has died whilst attempting a new route on K2.
"Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions.
"Rick was committed to serving the worlds poorest and most vulnerable communities. All members of the board send our condolences to Rick's family."
The humanitarian charity provides emergency relief during crisis events and works with global communities on sustainable development programmes.
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His friend, fellow climber Sandy Allan told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland he had known Mr Allen for years as they both worked in the oil industry.
"We first climbed together - we were trying to do the unclimbed ridge, the east north east ridge of Mount Everest," he said.
Rick Allen following his rescue from Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range in 2018
"As a character, he was totally reliable, he was a really nice fellow, he was very genuine, very caring, he would never let anybody down.
"I'm staring into a huge void at the moment, I'm going to miss him a lot."
Mr Allen had previously been presumed dead in 2018 after falling from an ice cliff during a solo climb to the summit of Pakistan's Broad Peak.
However, his rucksack was eventually spotted by a cook at the mountain's base camp before a drone was used to locate him and to guide rescuers to his location.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The British High Commission in Islamabad is aware of reports that a British citizen has died climbing K2 and stands ready to assist."