Walker dies after collapsing in Mournes on New Year’s Eve

The walker is thought to have suffered a heart attack early on Thursday afternoon sparking a major medical emergency and rescue operation.

A spokesperson of Mourne Mountain Rescue Team said: “At 13.53 hrs [on Thursday] the team received a request for assistance regarding a medical emergency.

“A walker had collapsed shortly after beginning descent from the Donard Commedagh Saddle.

“Other walkers stopped to provide help, with nearby team members responding, followed by a response from the Air Ambulance and further team members.”

The MMRT spokesperson said that although other walkers came to the aid of the person in distress, prior to the arrival of emergency services, they were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Other members of the walker’s group were escorted off the mountain while the deceased was evacuated by the team on a stretcher to road access,” the spokesperson said.

“A note of thanks to all those involved today including those who stopped to assist, NI Ambulance Service, Air Ambulance, Police call handling, Belfast Coastguard, Rescue Helicopter 199, Newcastle Coastguard and Police Search & Rescue, including the 23 team MMRT members responding with stand down at 18.55 hrs.”