Police have confirmed a 52-year-old mother died on a Scottish mountain while going to get help for her 23-year-old daughter.
The drama in the Glen Coe area of Lochaber happened shortly after 9.30am on Monday, below the snow line on the 900-metre high Buachaille Etive Beag, a mountain range between Glen Coe and Glen Etive.
Police Scotland and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team said details of the incident are still being pieced together, but it is believed the daughter took ill while out walking with her mother.
When her mother then went to get her help, it is understood she too had a medical episode – believed to be a heart attack or a stroke – before slipping off the path, where she fell out of sight.
Members of the public, on the hill, reported concerns for one young woman who had been seen on a path leading from the Lairig Eilde car park towards Buachaille Etive Beag.
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (GMRT) attended, as well as the Inverness-based Coastguard helicopter.
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Because the young woman was dazed and cold she was mumbling something about her mum, or another woman – and a search was launched.
A group of about 14 students and staff from the Joint Services Mountain Rescue in Ballachulish, who were training in the area, helped in the ground search lasting more than four hours.
A police spokesman said: “The body of a 52-year-old woman was discovered a short distance away.”
Sergeant Ross McCartney said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We are currently carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances. These enquiries are currently at an early stage.
“I would like to thank Glencoe MRT and HM Coastguard for their invaluable assistance with this challenging incident.”
Andy Nelson, from GMRT, said the younger woman was found to be very cold, with reduced consciousness.
He added: “It is not entirely clear what has happened. At least one appears to have suffered a medical episode and one a slip. The visibility was good and they were well below the snow line. They were both well-equipped.
“The woman was found by the helicopter pilot, once they located her we quickly went to rescue her from the hollow.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped with the rescue.”
Both women are believed to be from the Midlands, but knew the area well and were well equipped.