Tributes to Scottish Climber Killed in Avalanche on K2

27th July 2021

Last modified on July 29th, 2021

He was in a three-member team attempting to summit the 8,611m peak in Pakistan via the south-east face.

The other climbers, Jordi Tosas from Spain and Stephan Keck from Austria, were rescued without major injuries

Rick Allen was a respected veteran and a highly experienced climber.

As per an update by the Karakorum Expeditions, the team recovered the body of Rick Allen from the glacier near ABC last night. After consulting with his family and friends, the legend will be buried this morning under the foot of Mighty #K2. 💔#TheKarakoramClub #RickAllen pic.twitter.com/anPcGRYAhQ

— The Karakoram Club (@KarakoramClub) July 26, 2021

He was climbing to raise money for a development charity, Partners Relief and Development.

“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,” the charity said in a statement.

“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 UK Foreign Office said it was aware of reports that a British citizen had died while climbing K2.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said to the BBC: “The British High Commission in Islamabad is aware of reports that a British citizen has died climbing K2 and stands ready to assist.”

Rick Allen will be buried at the foot of K2.

Rick Allen, 68, from Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, was climbing to raise money for the Partners Relief and Development charity when he was caught in an avalanche on the mountain’s southeast face, on the border of China and Pakistan https://t.co/8PTzTRoOnU

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 26, 2021