Bristol City have paid tribute to teacher Mark Bessell at half-time of their FA Cup Third Round clash with Swansea City after the 48-year-old was killed by an avalanche while climbing Ben Nevis.
Bessell a teacher at Ashton Park School died while climbing the north face of the highest mountain in Scotland on 30 December with a party of four, with one climbing partner suffering serious injuries.
He and his climbing partner, a 40-year-old male yet to be named inadvertently triggered an avalanche which took them more than 2,000ft down the north face of the mountain.
READ MORE: Tributes to 'legend' Bristol teacher killed in avalanche
After difficult weather conditions meant mountain rescue were unable to recover the pair for eight hours, with Bessell pronounced dead at the scene leaving behind a wife and one child.
During half-time at Ashton Gate with the Robins trailing 1-0 to the Swans, a picture of the 48-year-old was displayed on the big screen as fans from both sides joined in a moments tribute and applause in remembrance of Bessell, who having taught only half a mile away from the home of Bristol City he would’ve been a familiar face for plenty of young City fans.
Stadium announcer Ian Downs lead the tribute saying, “Bristol City Football Club would like to pay tribute to Mark Bessell, who was tragically killed in an avalanche on Ben Nevis last week. Mark worked at Ashton Park School and sixth form for many years, teaching generations of students.
“Many of you will have known Mark who was described as ‘one of the best.’ The club’s thoughts and sympathies are with the families of Zack, Bob and Mark.”
Headteacher of Ashton Park School, Richard Uffendell also paid tribute to Mr Bessell in a letter to parents saying, “Mark will be deeply missed by us all as he has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many students, staff, families and the wider communities, but he will never be forgotten.
“We will be in touch in due course with details of how our school and community will pay tribute to Mark's life and continue the outstanding work he led within outdoor education."
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