Covill was passionate about outdoor activities and embarked on many adventures with his friends.
chinanews.com, February 10 — According to foreign media reports, in 1979, 27-year-old British mountaineering enthusiast Covill disappeared after falling while attempting to climb Switzerland’s Matterhorn. Thirty-four years later, due to global warming causing the ice to melt, Covill’s remains were finally found.
Covill was once a member of the British Parachute Regiment, where he developed his love for outdoor pursuits. After leaving the regiment, he began working in the Scottish Highlands and reunited with his childhood friend Tidmarsh. The two started taking on challenging adventures together.
Eventually, they decided to attempt one of the world’s most difficult descent routes — the north face of the Matterhorn. On the treacherous cliffs of the Matterhorn, hundreds of climbers have lost their lives, and the remains of most have never been found.
The Matterhorn was no less unforgiving to Covill and Tidmarsh. Bad weather trapped the pair, and while Tidmarsh was eventually rescued by helicopter, Covill unfortunately fell from the cliff and went missing.
However, not long ago, Swiss rescue helicopter pilot Baigno spotted abandoned climbing equipment while flying near the north face of the Matterhorn. Rescuers subsequently discovered human bones, along with clothing bearing Covill’s name.
His remains were sent to the same laboratory that had examined Ötzi the Iceman. Covill’s fingers were completely mummified, with nails and skin still intact. His fingers were curled up, “as if waiting to be held.”
Covill’s sister identified him, and DNA evidence ultimately confirmed that the remains, which reappeared after 34 years, were indeed those of Covill.
Covill’s remains were later cremated. His family is still considering where to scatter his ashes, but his sister said it would definitely be somewhere among the mountains he loved.