A hillwalker fell almost 100ft to his death because he was carrying his dog with one hand, rescuers believe.
The body of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday after a three-day search.
Kyle was expected back in Yorkshire last Tuesday but he failed to return and had not made contact with anyone since arriving in Glencoe on February 18.
The 33-year-old – who travelled to Glencoe in the Highlands with his dog – was found in a gully about 2625ft up on the 3632ft high Stob Coire nam Beith.
His family have been told of the discovery and met rescuers yesterday to thank them.
Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team – who was among the four members who discovered the bodies of Kyle and Bane – said it was a “tragic outcome”.
He added: “He had fallen 98ft into this gully on the west side of the hill and we think the most likely scenario is that he was holding his dog with one hand.
“He also had a heavy rucksack and where he has fallen is very steep ground.
“It looks like carrying the dog, together with the other factors, may have been a major cause of the accident and led to both of their deaths sadly. We are meeting the family today to pass on our deepest condolences over this tragic outcome.”
The rescuers took six hours to carry the bodies of Kyle and Bane off the mountain by stretcher.
Kyle had driven to the area with plans to climb the 3351ft high Buachaille Etive Mor with Bane.
More than 40 rescuers scoured the area in a 12-hour operation on Friday.
On Saturday, they resumed the search – including those from Tweed Valley MRT, Oban MRT and Lochaber MRT.
Police yesterday confirmed Kyle’s body and that of his dog had been found in Glencoe.
A police spokesman said: “At about 2.15pm on Saturday, February 25, the bodies of a man and a dog were recovered by mountain rescue teams and HM Coastguard in the Glencoe area.
“They have now been identified as Kyle Sambrook and his dog Bane, who reported missing earlier this week.
“Kyle’s family wish to thank all involved in the search and have requested their privacy be respected.
“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
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