The heartbroken dad of an “incredible” hillwalker who tragically died on a mountainside while pursuing his dream to bag Scotland’s Munros has thanked local rescue teams for their support.
Mark Monroe has spoken out after the body of son Patrick, 33, was discovered one week after he went missing.
The American tourist had set off from Tyndrum Holiday Park – formerly Pine Trees Caravan Park – on the morning of April 6.
His body was discovered in the Tyndrum area on Thursday, April 13, at around 11am.
The Observer understands that he died after an apparent fall and Police Scotland are treating it as a tragic accident.
Patrick’s heartbroken dad Mark paid tribute to Police Scotland’s Forth Valley Division, as well as a number of mountain rescue teams who had been desperately searching for him – including Killin MRT and Lomond MRT.
Mark said: “On behalf of all our family and the friends of Patrick, we want to say thank you for all the concerns, well wishes, hopes and condolences.
“I would also like everyone to know and appreciate the efforts, commitments, and caring support we received from Police Scotland Forth Valley. Also, we appreciate the efforts of the search and rescue teams both in the air and on the ground. The volunteers that were looking and those that called in information deserve a big thank you as well.”
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Patrick had travelled to Scotland from his home in Kansas City, Missouri, to embark on a six-month-long adventure across Scotland where he hoped to bag all 282 Munros.
Police enquiries established that he reached the summit of Ben Oss, southwest of Tyndrum, at around 1.15pm on April 6 and went on to the summit of Ben Lui, reaching it around 3pm, then along the ridge to Ben A’Cleibh at around 4pm.
Patrick worked in the film industry in America, working as a grip and electric engineer on filming sets.
Following his sudden passing, an online fundraiser has been set up to help Patrick’s shattered family with the costs of returning him home to America.
The Go Fund Me page, called ‘Help bring Patrick Alan Monroe home’ detailed his family’s ordeal. It read: “Pat went to Scotland in March to fulfil his dream to reach the summits of all of the Munros in the Highlands. He was an adventurer with great fondness for the family’s Scottish roots.
“In the time he was there, Pat was able to reach the summits of Ben Oss, Ben Lui and Beinn a’ Chleibh.
“The family last heard from him on April 6. A search and rescue team was sent out to find him. They successfully found Pat but he had perished from injuries sustained in an apparent fall.
“Mark and Joanne will be setting off to Scotland to get Pat as soon as their circumstances allow. They will stay to take some of Pat’s ashes to leave on the Munros that he loved so dearly.”
The fundraiser was set up to assist with their travel to and from Scotland and to take care of Patrick’s final arrangements.
Devastated friends also paid tributes online.
Lifelong friend Erica Eslinger posted: “It’s not often you hear news that stops you in your tracks. Unfortunately, today was one of those days. The world lost an incredible, genuine, adventurous, intelligent, sensitive, creative, and kind soul.
“Patrick Monroe was one of my best friends growing up. His laughter and humour were contagious. He was a goofball but also intuitive to know when you needed more. He was so smart and he had a unique perspective on the world. He had big dreams and aspirations. He was a friend to all.
“Even though our friendship faded due to adulthood and distance, he always held a special place in my heart and he will be missed dearly by so many.
“Let today be your reminder to chase your dreams.”
Chris Bylsma, a friend of Patrick’s through the film community, added: “He loved the outdoors and his heritage, so he was actually doing one of those trips that most people only say they’d “love to do someday”.
Chris spent time with Patrick on a number of film sets over the years, adding: “And he was always just such a cheerful, friendly and generous person that it was a real joy to be around him.”
The Go Fund Me page has been set up for Patrick’s family with a $50,000 target. At the time of print, more than $24,000 had already been raised.
To donate, click here.
