The short version
- Police admitted that a distress call from the victims was not escalated appropriately, delaying potential rescue efforts during severe winter weather.
- Mountain rescue teams found the men lacked essential climbing gear such as crampons and ice axes for the technical terrain they attempted to traverse.
- The coroner recorded an accidental death verdict and issued a formal report to North Wales Police to address procedural gaps in handling emergency communications.
An inquest into the deaths of two young men who perished on a mountain ridge in north Wales has revealed significant failures in how emergency services handled their final distress signal. Jayden Long, 19, and Eddie Hill, 20, both from Dereham in Norfolk, died on Crib y Ddysgl, a steep ridge located less than a mile north of the summit of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon. The pair succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries after falling down the steep terrain during extreme winter conditions in late February.
The hearing at Gwynedd Coroner's Court in Caernarfon focused heavily on the timeline of events surrounding a 999 call made from Long’s mobile phone. Philip Benbow, the lead coordinator for the Llanberis Mountain Rescue team, testified that he was alerted by North Wales Police on the evening of February 18 regarding an abandoned call made three hours earlier. At that time, authorities believed the caller might be on Crib y Ddysgl, but Benbow stated there was insufficient information about the precise location or nature of the emergency to justify an immediate deployment.
Despite initial searches involving mountain rescue teams and a coastguard helicopter, no trace of the men was found that night. The search resumed at first light on February 19 with the addition of a search and rescue dog team. By mid-morning, rescuers spotted a possible trail in the snow, prompting the deployment of a drone and helicopter to the site. The bodies were subsequently located and their deaths confirmed.
A critical point of contention during the proceedings was the handling of the emergency call by police control room staff. Det Con James Lloyd from North Wales Police’s professional standards department acknowledged that while attempts were made to re-establish contact with the caller, the incident was not escalated as it should have been. He noted that this failure represented a learning opportunity for the force, emphasizing the need to pass similar calls to mountain rescuers sooner for assessment.
The emotional impact of these procedural delays was evident when Long’s father questioned Lloyd via videolink, describing the response as incompetence. However, Lloyd maintained that while the handling of the call was flawed, he did not find that the force’s actions directly contributed to the deaths of the two men. The coroner, Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley, accepted this distinction but emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues to prevent future tragedies.
Beyond the emergency response failures, the inquest highlighted concerns about the preparedness of the climbers for the conditions they encountered. Benbow described the environment on the ridge as full winter conditions, noting that while the pair had spiked footwear, they lacked crampons and ice axes. These tools are generally considered essential for navigating such terrain safely, particularly when snow and ice are present.
The route taken by Long and Hill connects Yr Wyddfa to Crib Goch, a notoriously narrow ridge often described as an extreme scramble requiring experienced climbers. Signage at various points on the mountain range warns visitors that certain routes demand advanced skills and appropriate equipment. Benbow noted that Long had previously walked in the Lake District and Peak District but this was his first time in Eryri, suggesting a potential gap in understanding the specific challenges of Welsh mountains.
Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley recorded a conclusion of accidental death for both men. She stated she could not determine whether they fell together or if one fell while attempting to assist the other. As part of her remit to prevent future deaths, Riley announced she would send a formal report to North Wales Police addressing her concerns about the lack of immediate action taken in response to the initial 999 call.
The case underscores the complex interplay between individual preparedness and institutional response in high-risk outdoor environments. While the physical dangers of winter climbing are well-documented, the inquest suggests that timely communication and escalation protocols can be just as critical in determining outcomes. The findings serve as a stark reminder for both emergency services and outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety measures and clear communication channels.
As North Wales Police reviews its procedures for handling mountain emergencies, the broader implications for public safety remain under scrutiny. The tragedy of Long and Hill has prompted calls for improved coordination between police control rooms and specialized rescue teams. Their deaths have left a lasting impact on their families and the local community, highlighting the need for vigilance in both personal preparation and professional response.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Two men who died on Yr Wyddfa tried calling 999, inquest hears
