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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. | 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 continent 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. | In a statement, his wife Joanna said she felt "heartbroken sadness". Mr Worsley, from Fulham in London, died of "complete organ failure", she added. |
The Duke of Cambridge said he was "very sad" to hear of Mr Worsley's death, while David Beckham also paid tribute. | |
"He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him," the duke said. | |
On Instagram, Beckham said he was "lucky to have met Henry", who "served our country for so many years". | |
'30 miles short' | |
The ReMark Group, which was supporting Mr Worsley's effort, said he was "30 miles short of his ultimate goal". | |
"When Henry was picked up by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), he was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration," the group said in a statement. | |
"He was flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas [in Chile] where he was found to have bacterial peritonitis. | |
"This resulted in Henry undergoing surgery but in spite of all the efforts of ALE and medical staff, he succumbed." | |
Mr Worsley began the 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. | The plan was to cross the continent "unassisted and unsupported" - with no supply drops or help from dogs or any other source. |
He had passed his target of raising £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, which helps injured and sick servicemen and women. | |
In a statement, the fund said it was "devastated" by news of Mr Worsley's death. | |
'Drive' for soldiers | |
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. |
He 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." | |
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. | 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." | "What will drive me on is raising money for these wounded soldiers." |