A tragic hillwalker and his beloved dog who plunged almost 100ft to their deaths in Glencoe will have their ashes scattered beside each other in Scotland.
The body of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle, Bane, were found in the Highlands on Saturday, February 25, following a three-day search.
The 33-year-old failed to return to his home in Yorkshire last Tuesday and had not made contact with family after leaving for a wild camping trip on February 18. Following the extensive search, Kyle was found in a gully about 2625ft up on the 3632ft high Stob Coire nam Beith, and Bane was found nearby.
Rescuers believe the hillwalker fell because he was carrying his dog with one hand. Loved ones have planned to give Kyle and Bane a fitting send off by scattering their ashes in their favourite place - Scotland.
The touching tribute was revealed in an online fundraiser, which was launched to raise money for the pair's cremation. The GoFundMe page has more than doubled its £5,000 target in just two days - and is currently sitting at more than £11,000.
Katie Westwood, who started the page, said: "Kyle and Bane arrived in Glencoe for a three day wild camping trip, they never returned home. They were found together in the mountains of Glencoe after a fatal accident.
"Kyle has always wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread in his favourite place, Scotland. We would like to also do the same with Bane, so Kyle can remain with his best friend, son, his everything."
Katie revealed that any funds raised above the cremation target will be donated to the local mountain rescue team, who helped to recover their bodies. Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team and part of the crew who made the tragic discovery, 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 had 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's family and friends, many of whom were involved in the search, have been left devastated by the news and tributes flooded in to the man, who was described as a "top lad and an awesome footballer".
His sister, Rachel, vowed not to return home until her big brother had been found. After the heartbreaking news was confirmed she said: “I said I wasn’t going home until I found you. I love you big bro - and my fur baby. Have the best time together.”
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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