Tony died in a solo fall off Direct Route (S 4a) at Avon in 1972. He was my best friend. I was out of the country when he died. I was later told that the rock was wet, he was going home (he chose to solo up rather than go up the path), he had a small backpack on, he was wearing home shoes, and he slipped off wordlessly and vanished out of sight. I know all of this from my friend (I asked him when I got back to the UK) who was tied in to someone else at the top of the pitch. He was watching Tony and saw what happened. That friend was naturally very upset about it. I believe Tony died in hospital a couple of days later. In a thread years ago people said he fell off the Arete, but that was wrong (as I said in a thread reply at that time).
What I'm asking respectfully now is - were any UKC readers there that day? Or know anyone who was, or heard anything at all about that day? Tony has been very much on my mind recently, maybe as I get older and frailer, or I don't know why. Now I am really really seeking anything anyone can add. Thank you very very much.
There was a brief article years ago in an Alpine Journal which offered few details, except to say it was an awful afternoon.
In my thread title I said "Tony Willmott died 1972, anyone know any more?" but I am not at all seeking memories of Tony other than of the day he died, or about what he had climbed or where he had been before: I knew all of that from Tony. What I am seeking is any memories or testimonies whatsoever from that awful day, thank you for understanding. PS Tony was a great guy and I still miss him. RIP Tony.
Many apologies and understanding and condolences for any of Tony's family, or friends, who may be reading this.