British explorer Henry Worsley dies trying to cross Antarctic solo
British adventurer Henry Worsley has died in an attempt to make history by crossing the Antarctic alone in a trip backed by members of the royal family, his wife said on Monday.
Worsley was just 48km from the finish when he called for help and was airlifted to a hospital in Chile on Friday suffering from exhaustion and severe dehydration.
“It is with heartbroken sadness I let you know that my husband, Henry Worsley, has died following complete organ failure,” his wife Joanna said in a statement.
Worsley died in the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile, “despite all efforts” of medical staff, she added.
He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him
She said Worsley had raised £100,000 (HK$1.1 million) for the Endeavour Fund, a charity to help people wounded in the military and backed by Prince William, his wife Kate and brother Prince Harry.
William paid tribute to Worsley and his attempt to cross Antarctica via the South Pole – a feat left unfinished by explorer Ernest Shackleton a century ago.