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Explorer Henry Worsley dies in Antarctic crossing | Explorer Henry Worsley dies in Antarctic crossing |
(35 minutes later) | |
Explorer Henry Worsley has died after suffering exhaustion and dehydration during an attempt to cross Antarctica. | |
The former Army officer, 55, was 71 days into his bid to become the first person to cross the Antarctic unaided. | |
In a statement, his wife Joanna said she felt "heartbroken sadness". Mr Worsley, from Fulham in London, died of "complete organ failure", she added. | |
On Instagram, David Beckham said he was "lucky to have met Henry", who "served our country for so many years". | |
He added: "No words can describe the sadness of the loss of Henry." | |
'Unassisted and unsupported' | |
Mrs Worsley said her husband died "despite all efforts" of staff at the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile. | |
Mr Worsley began the planned 80-day, 1,100-mile (1,770km) coast-to-coast trek in November, pulling a sledge containing his food, tent and equipment. | Mr Worsley began the planned 80-day, 1,100-mile (1,770km) coast-to-coast trek in November, pulling a sledge containing his food, tent and equipment. |
The plan was to cross the continent "unassisted and unsupported" - with no supply drops or help from dogs or any other source. | |
He aimed to raise £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, which helps injured and sick servicemen and women. | He aimed to raise £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, which helps injured and sick servicemen and women. |
In October he told the BBC he expected to lose two stone (12.7kg) during the challenge. | In October he told the BBC he expected to lose two stone (12.7kg) during the challenge. |
Mr Worsley said his journey should take 75 days and he would take enough food for 80 days, adding: "I could make it last a bit longer." | |
He said he planned to make a call to a logistics base every 24 hours, and if he missed two calls a search team would be sent out based on his last-known GPS location. | |
Asked if he was "mad" to take on the challenge, he said: "There is no black art to sliding one ski in front of the other. | |
"What will drive me on is raising money for these wounded soldiers." |