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Explorer Henry Worsley dies in Antarctic crossing Explorer Henry Worsley dies in Antarctic crossing
(about 2 hours 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 ex-Army officer, 55, was 30 miles short of his goal of becoming the first person to cross the continent unaided.The ex-Army officer, 55, was 30 miles short of his goal of becoming 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.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," Prince William said. Mr Worsley was trying to complete the unfinished journey of his lifelong hero Sir Ernest Shackleton to mark the 100th anniversary of his expedition.
The trek was also raising money for the Endeavour Fund, a charity which helps wounded servicemen and women and is managed by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
'Grinding down'
Prince William said he and Prince Harry had lost a friend, as he paid tribute to Mr Worsley's "selfless commitment" to fellow soldiers.
"He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him," he said.
In a message published before he was airlifted to Chile for treatment, Mr Worsley wrote: "The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual grinding down of my physical endurance finally took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I report it is journey's end - so close to my goal."In a message published before he was airlifted to Chile for treatment, Mr Worsley wrote: "The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual grinding down of my physical endurance finally took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I report it is journey's end - so close to my goal."
The ReMark Group, which was supporting Mr Worsley's effort, said in a statement: "When Henry was picked up by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), he was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.The ReMark Group, which was supporting Mr Worsley's effort, said in a statement: "When Henry was picked up by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), he was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.
"He was flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas [in Chile] where he was found to have bacterial peritonitis."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.""This resulted in Henry undergoing surgery but in spite of all the efforts of ALE and medical staff, he succumbed."
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen. According to the NHS, most cases come from injury or infection in another part of the body.Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen. According to the NHS, most cases come from injury or infection in another part of the body.
On Instagram, David Beckham said he was "lucky to have met Henry", who had "served our country for so many years".On Instagram, David Beckham said he was "lucky to have met Henry", who had "served our country for so many years".
And adventurer Bear Grylls tweeted: "We are devastated by this loss. One of the strongest men & bravest soldiers I know. Praying for his special family."And adventurer Bear Grylls tweeted: "We are devastated by this loss. One of the strongest men & bravest soldiers I know. Praying for his special family."
Mr Worsley began the 1,100-mile (1,770km) coast-to-coast trek in November, pulling a sledge containing his food, tent and equipment.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. 'Testing himself'
In a statement, the fund said it was "devastated" by news of Mr Worsley's death. Sir Ernest Shackleton's granddaughter Alexandra said his death would be a "huge loss to the adventuring world".
'Drive' for soldiers "He was very energetic, very keen on testing himself, seeing how far he could get with his endeavours," she said.
"The whole point of this one was that Henry was doing it on his own. I suppose you could say he was doing more and more adventurous and interesting things."
Mr Worsley had passed his target of raising £100,000, and in a statement, the Endeavour Fund said it was "devastated" by his death.
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."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."