A SINGAPOREAN student studying in Melbourne University died
after falling from Mount Aspiring in New Zealand.
Mr Ong Eng Wu, 21, was scaling the mountain with a male climbing
companion on Wednesday when he fell 800m to his death, the Herald
Sun reported.
He is believed to have fallen at about 6.50am, just 200m from
reaching the summit of the 3,033m-tall mountain.
Mr Ong's companion asked for assistance from another climbing
party he met when he reached the summit.
The Southland Times reported that Mr Ong was found in a 4m-deep
crevasse at the base.
According to rescue team leader Gary Dickson, Mr Ong and his
companion had been climbing unroped, which was 'not unusual' but
increased the risk.
Mr Dickson said the weather was 'perfect' and the pair were
doing well to climb so high by early morning, the Southland Times
reported.
An investigation has been started to find out the cause of Mr
Ong's death.
