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Andy Jackson / Stuff
There are a number of scenarios that contributed to the death of Private Morgan Fraser on Mount Taranaki in 2017, according to a report. (File photo).
Lack of winter climbing experience and poorly fitting crampons contributed to the death of a climber on Mount Taranaki in 2017, according to a coroner’s report.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) now urges climbers to undergo alpine climbing training and make sure they have the right equipment, no matter what climb they undertake.
Morgan Ross Fraser, 22, set out to climb Mount Taranaki on June 27, 2017 and was expected to return to his Palmerston North flat in time for a rugby match that night.
He never came home.
Fraser was reported missing on June 28 and his body was found on June 29.
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Originally from Southland, Fraser was a private in the New Zealand Defense Force and was based at Linton Camp.
The last contact with him during the fatal climb was a text message he sent to a friend saying that he was one hour from the summit.
This indicated that it was about 2,200 meters above sea level, the MSC report told the coroner.
At some point after that and before climbing the next 200 meters, for “unknown reasons,” he slipped or tripped and fell, according to the report.
Despite having an ice ax, he was unable to stop as he slipped, tipped over and fell up to 600m.
NZ ARMY / Facebook / Stuff
Morgan Ross Fraser died on Mount Taranaki in 2017.
In a written statement issued by police at the time, Fraser’s family said they were “absolutely devastated to lose a son, brother, grandson, friend and such a good guy in every way.”
Coroner Tracey Fitzgibbon asked MSC to provide a report outlining the possible scenarios surrounding Fraser’s death and recommendations on how these tragedies could be avoided in the future.
MSC CEO Mike Daisley said there were several potential scenarios.
The crampons that Fraser borrowed from a friend did not fit the boots he was wearing and although he was experienced in walking, he lacked sufficient skills to climb alone, especially on the hard ice that typically forms on Mount Taranaki during the frigid winter conditions, Daisley said.
“Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong and despite the best of intentions and actions, serious accidents do happen.
“By reviewing all the available evidence, this accident can be used as a learning point for others.”
MSC’s recommendations included climbers receiving training from alpine instructors prior to an alpine climb, to properly assess winter climbing equipment before embarking on a climb, and to ensure they had proper boots and compatible crampons appropriate for the conditions.
Climbers must also ensure that their climbing goal is compatible with their abilities, remain vigilant, and be prepared in the changing environment.
MSC expressed its condolences to Fraser’s family and friends.
