A MOUNTAINEER and adventurer who fell 1,000ft (305m) after scaling Mont Blanc died as a result of an accident, a coroner has found.
Simon Bates, 30, from Gosforth, Newcastle, lost his step and fell while descending Europe's highest peak, near Chamonix, France, last September.
A helicopter was sent to the scene and his body was recovered by the crew.
Following an inquest at Newcastle Civic Centre, Coroner David Mitford concluded that Mr Bates's death was accidental.
No family members were present for the brief hearing.
Mr Bates loved adventure and had travelled extensively throughout the world, climbing in Australia, jumping out of a plane at 12,000ft (3,658m) and exploring the Grand Canyon.
His family have set up the Simon Bates Foundation to help charitable projects in the UK and abroad.
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