An official inquiry has been announced into the tragic death of a “thoroughly decent” man who died during a hiking trip.
Graham Cox, from Southport, was found dead alongside Dave Fowler, 39, an experienced guide known for leading treks across Scotland’s challenging landscapes, and Hazel Crombie, 64, after the trio did not return from their expedition. The group had embarked on a journey across the Aonach Eagach Ridge in Glencoe, Scotland, on August 5, 2023, and were reported missing shortly after 9pm.
An extensive search operation ensued involving police, a HM Coastguard helicopter, RAF personnel, and the Glencoe Mountain Rescue team in an effort to find the lost hikers. Following his untimely death, Graham’s family issued a heartfelt statement which read: “Graham Cox was a much loved husband, father, son and brother.
“He is remembered by all as the kindest, loveliest man. The family is devastated by his loss and request privacy at this time.”
Heartbroken friends remembered Graham, 60, known to pals as Jim, as a “thoroughly decent guy”. They paid tribute to the “family man” who had a “great sense of humour”, the ECHO reports.
Graham worked at PTC, a global software solutions company. His friend Andy Webb said: “Sad news – Graham Cox, who I knew as Jim, passed away in a climbing accident in Glencoe at the weekend.
“He was a thoroughly decent guy, adventurous, great sense of humour, family man and real love of music. Just awful news.”
Police Scotland said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and submitted a report to the procurator fiscal. Next month, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will be held into the deaths, at Fort William sheriff court, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 10.
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