‘Exceptionally Bright’ Medical Student Fell to His Death on Hike After Phoning His Dad and Police for Help

Young Medical Student Dies After Getting Lost on Solo Summit Hike in Wales

A 20-year-old medical student died after becoming lost during a solo hike and calling his father for help, according to authorities in Wales.

On May 27, John Aravinth was found dead at Cwm Glas in North West Wales, senior coroner Kate Robertson said in a hearing.

His death was attributed to acute blood loss caused by a deep laceration to his scalp, according to the hearing record from Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Aravinth had been hiking with his family on May 26 when his father and sister chose to turn back, concerned about worsening rain and strong winds, according to U.K. outlets The Times and the BBC.

Aravinth, described as a confident explorer and experienced hillwalker, decided to continue toward the 3,560-foot summit of Yr Wyddfa (formerly known as Mt. Snowdon), the reports said.

Authorities believe the Edinburgh University student successfully reached the summit of Wales’s highest peak. However, officials told the hearing that about two hours later, he phoned his father to say he was lost.

He then called the police twice and was described as being in a “distressed” state during his final call, the BBC reported.

He also requested mountain rescue assistance while strong winds could be heard in the background, according to the outlet.

Police were later unable to reach him despite attempting to contact him via calls and text messages, the BBC reported.

Robertson told the hearing that after reaching the summit, Aravinth became “disorientated,” per The Times.

“He’s likely taken a fall due to strong winds or loss of footing in treacherous weather conditions,” she said, according to the outlet.

Aravinth was eventually located by a coastguard helicopter crew after rescue teams had earlier suspended their search overnight due to “beyond atrocious” conditions, including winds of up to 78 mph, The Times reported.

“John was clearly exceptionally bright. The world will be a poorer place without him by the way he’s been described to me,” Robertson said at the hearing, according to The Times.

“I acknowledge the significant efforts made by the mountain rescue team and other emergency services in a very difficult and challenging situation.”