Climber dies after undoing rope on Nama Peak, Sichuan

A 31-year-old climber identified by the surname Hong fell to his death on September 25 while attempting to take photographs near the summit of Nama Peak in Sichuan province, authorities said. Hong, who was part of a hiking party on the 5,588 meter peak, slipped near a crevasse after reportedly undoing his safety rope and tumbled roughly 200 meters, or about 650 feet, down a snowy slope before striking rocky terrain, officials and witnesses said.

Video footage circulated online shows Hong, wearing red mountaineering clothing, losing his footing and sliding downhill as companions shouted. Witnesses said he was not using an ice axe and was unable to regain control once he began sliding. Emergency teams, including local police, town officials and community rescue personnel, were dispatched to the scene and pronounced him dead. His body was transported to Gongga Mountain Town for family arrangements, authorities said.

Local officials from the Kangding Municipal Education and Sports Bureau said the group had not filed a climbing plan or obtained required permits for the expedition. A local official who reviewed initial checks attributed the fall to a combination of removed safety...