A CLIMBER from Huddersfield has died in a tragedy in the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
John Sykes, 58, plunged almost 1,000ft to his death while climbing with his brother Barry, 63.
The brothers were both highly experienced climbers and had been climbing for over 30 years.
But John apparently slipped while traversing a rocky path at Foxes Rake, on Sgur A Mhadaidh in the Cuillin mountains.
Rescuers found Mr Sykes's body yesterday, having been alerted by his brother the previous evening.
Tragically, while they searching for the missing climber, rescuers found the body of another man as they scoured the mountain range.
Mr Sykes, an industrial chemist, whose home address in Huddersfield has not been revealed, was found dead after Barry raised the alarm at the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel, a popular spot in the area.
Searchers from the Skye Mountain Rescue Team launched a rescue bid late yesterday, aided by an RAF Sea King helicopter, but had to abandoned the hunt as darkness fell.
After resuming the search yesterday morning they came across the body of another man as they looked for Mr Sykes.
That man has yet to be identified but is thought to be missing backpacker Dr Timothy Derrick.
Dr Derrick, 41, from London, has not been seen since he left a backpackers' hostel in Sligachan on the island on August 14.
A Northern Constabulary spokesman said John Sykes's body was discovered at 10.30am.
It is estimated he fell between 800ft and 1,000ft.
After losing contact with his brother, Barry Sykes descended the mountain range and raised the alarm from the youth hostel.
The Skye Mountain Rescue Team and the RAF helicopter were despatched to the scene.
Police said the body of the second man, which was recovered in the Cuillins just after 9.30am yesterday, appears to have been at the scene for several weeks.
A post-mortem is expected to take place later today.
