North-east climber Rick Allen dies in avalanche on K2

A well known north-east climber has died following an avalanche on the K2.

Rick Allen, from Aberdeen, was scaling the world's second highest peak with two other people in his climbing party, Spaniard Jordi Tosas and Austrian Stefan Keck. 

Mr Allen, who lives in Aboyne, had more than 40 years of experience climbing in challenging ascents in the Himalayas. 

He had been attempting to open a new line of the south-east face of the mountain and was raising money for the charity Partners UK, who he is a trustee of. 

A statement from the charity said: “It is with great sadness to announce that Rick Allen, a member of the board of Partners Relief And Development UK and also a great friend, has died while attempting a new route on K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.”

“Rick, a world-renowned veteran mountaineer, was caught in an avalanche on the south-east face but fortunately his two climbing partners survived.

“Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions.

“All members of the board send our condolences to Rick’s family.”

His two climbing partners are said to be safe.