Michele Fait Dies Skiing K2 with Friend Fredrik Ericsson
Unfortunately, the update on Fredrik Ericsson´s quest to ski K2 is a tragic one.
Reports out of Pakistan indicate that Michele and Fredrik were skiing the lower section of K2, from Camp 2 back to base camp on the Cesen Route when Michele´s skis slipped on a patch of ice at around 6400m sending him into a rocky section where he fell about 1000 meters. The expedition team is currently working on recovering the body. Our thoughts and support go out to the friends of family of Michele and the expedition team still out there.
“There are 4 expeditions here – total of 18 climbers – Japanese, German, Swedish/Italian and us. The Swedish/Italian pair had already pushed up to Camp 2 yesterday. Camp 2 is vertically above the base of the route situated at about 6700m. Swedish extreme skier Fredrik Ericsson and Italian Michele Fait were attempting to be the first to ski down K2. This morning, the weather was perfect – which was of no benefit to Fait. On the descent, the worst scenario possible happened – Fiat plummeted. Ericsson was skiing lower down the slopes and after he had seen Fiat fall, began to haul upwards to get to him. At Base Camp we watched, unsure if the fall had been fatal or not. We started to construct a make-do stretcher and prepare to assist with the rescue effort. Our leader Fabrizio headed out back up the middle of the glacier and we watched as Ericsson and Fabrizio reached Fait’s limp body 20 minutes later and began to lower him down to the base of the route. The slopes are avalanche prone and as the pair descended, Fabrizio then approached them from below. There is no way to safely recover Fait’s body today…he is secured on the slope. Fabrizio and Ericsson descended to base camp and we will attempt to recover his body tomorrow at first light.
In our camp, the mood is obviously very glum. Truthfully, it would be wise to return home. But K2 has a powerful presence and attraction; and we intend to continue our attempt to reach the top safely.
It’s snowing right now. May Michele Fait rest in peace.”Quoted from Sean Wisedale´s Blog
Vinicio Stefanello, PlanetMountain.com, writes In Memory of Michele Fait: “Michele was a good man and he had a dream. A dream which he desired intensely. Skiing down K2 with his skis was what he desired most, even if he knew it was an absolute achievement, an extremely difficult and aleatory world first.”
Photos by arch M. Fait from Planetmountain.com
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