A well-known Irish climber has been killed in a freak tragedy while scaling Africa’s highest mountain.
42-year-old Ian McKeever from Co Wicklow was struck by lightning as he led a group up Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mr McKeever from Lough Dan in Co Wicklow was leading a group including at least 20 Irish climbers up Kilimanjaro as part of a charity fundraiser.
In online updates, he said there had been torrential rain but spirits remained high among the hikers.
Yesterday the group was to make its ascent to the Lava Tower – a landmark on the climb – when they were caught up in a lightening storm, in which Mr McKeever was killed.
A number of people received medical attention but none were seriously injured.
In post on his facebook page last night, Ian’s family and his fiancé Anna said ‘It is with deep regret, that we, advise of Ian’s sudden death on Kilimanjaro, today, doing what he loved best.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family.
