British Mountaineer Dies in Tragic Accident at Frozen Waterfall in Italian Alps

A 72-year-old British mountaineer has died during an ice-climbing expedition at a frozen waterfall in the Italian Alps, after becoming trapped inside an icy crevice amid extreme weather conditions, Italian rescue authorities confirmed.

The victim, identified as Stephen Lismore, was taking part in an ice-climbing activity on a well-known frozen waterfall in the Lillaz area near the town of Cogne in northwestern Italy last Saturday. 

Lismore, a grandfather, was climbing with a companion when the fatal incident occurred during their descent.

According to mountain rescue officials, Lismore mistakenly entered an opening in the ice wall that he believed was a safe route down. 

Moments later, freezing water poured into the cavity from above the waterfall, leaving him trapped inside the ice formation.

Rescue teams said the climber was unable to escape due to sub-zero temperatures and the intense cold within the crevice. 

Investigators believe he likely died from severe hypothermia, although inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death.

The incident unfolded while Lismore’s climbing partner, who was secured to him by a double rope, witnessed the accident from higher up the waterfall. 

The companion immediately raised the alarm. 

One rescuer told the Daily Mail that the initial emergency call suggested a minor incident, but the scale of the tragedy became clear once teams reached the scene.

Footage released by emergency services showed mountain rescue crews accessing the site by helicopter in poor light and freezing conditions, which complicated efforts to recover the body.

The Lillaz waterfalls, rising to approximately 150 meters and made up of three tiers, are among the most popular ice-climbing destinations in the region during winter, attracting experienced climbers from across Europe. 

However, the site is also considered highly hazardous due to rapidly changing conditions.

This marks the second fatal ice-climbing accident in the area this year. 

Last month, a French climber died after falling more than 10 meters at the same location.

The UK Foreign Office said it is providing support to the family of the British national and is working closely with local Italian authorities following the incident.