Father and Son Die 100 Metres Apart in Glen Coe Hiking Tragedy
A father and son from the Midlands tragically lost their lives after falling during a hike in the Scottish Highlands, with their bodies discovered approximately 100 metres apart on the treacherous slopes of Glen Coe.
Failed Return Home Triggers Search
Thomas Parry, aged 49, and his 12-year-old son Richard Parry, known affectionately as Richie, were climbing the formidable 1,150-metre peak Bidean Nam Bian when disaster struck. The pair, who hailed from Alsager in Cheshire, had been expected to return home by 9pm on May 28, 2024, after Thomas contacted his wife Gemma Parry at 7.35am that morning to outline their plans.
When they failed to return or make further contact, Gemma filed a missing persons report at 9am on May 29. Police Scotland initiated their investigation later that day at 12.55pm, quickly tracking the family vehicle to the Three Sisters car park, a recognised starting point for the challenging Bidean Nam Bian ascent.
Major Mountain Rescue Operation Deployed
Officers forced entry to the vehicle at 3pm, discovering numerous personal items including:
- A mobile telephone
- A Mountain Warehouse rucksack
- Two sleeping bags
- Two toothbrushes, one clearly belonging to a child
- A picnic set and various clothing items
The Glencoe Mountain Rescue team were notified at 3.37pm and immediately deployed to conduct an extensive area search. They received support from a Coast Guard rescue helicopter and various teams from the Lake District who happened to be training in the area, resulting in a total deployment of forty-four search personnel.
Witness Account Provides Crucial Information
A media appeal was launched to gather information about the missing father and son. At 7.33pm on May 29, Police Scotland received a witness statement from a mountain guide who had been leading nine people in the area earlier that day.
The witness reported encountering two males he estimated to be around 50 and 10 years old during their descent. The deceased had asked for advice about ascending the mountain, showing the witness a basic all-terrain map displaying only contour lines without detailed features.
The mountain guide showed them his more detailed map and warned that the ground was exceptionally steep, pointing out a line of cliffs surrounding the summit area. He noted that weather conditions had deteriorated significantly around the time of their meeting, with low clouds, rain, and visibility reduced to approximately 30 metres.
Tragic Discovery and Medical Findings
Rescue volunteers discovered the bodies shortly after receiving this crucial information. At 7.25pm, they found remains matching the description of Thomas Parry, observing significant injuries consistent with a fall from height. Further up the slope, they discovered a rucksack containing his driving licence, and approximately 100 metres away, they found his son Richard, also deceased.
Dr Natasha Ingles conducted post-mortem examinations at the Department of Cellular Pathology in Inverness. Regarding Thomas, she stated: "I am of the opinion that this man has died as a result of head and chest injuries from the presumed fall whilst walking. He was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol."
Dr Ingles added that while this appeared to be an accidental fall, a medical event could not be entirely excluded, noting Thomas had a history of leg pain that could have contributed to a loss of balance.
Concerning Richard, she explained: "This boy died as a result of exposure to cold temperatures following a presumed, unwitnessed fall whilst walking with his father. There was evidence of a head injury, lower limb injuries and a superficial skin injury which was consistent with a fall."
The medical expert noted that bruising to the scalp indicated at least two blows to the head, which may have led to loss of consciousness and subsequent development of hypothermia. She emphasised that a person can die of hypothermia in less than an hour, with the risk increased by Richard's young age and slim build.
Coroner's Conclusion
Senior Coroner Andrew Barkley accepted the proposed medical causes of death during the hearing at Stoke Coroner's Court. He concluded that Thomas died as a result of head and chest trauma, while Richard passed away due to exposure following their separate falls. The coroner formally recorded both deaths as accidental, bringing a tragic conclusion to the heartbreaking incident that claimed the lives of a father and son enjoying the Scottish mountains together.
