Pilot falls to his death in California national park
He was reported missing when he did not show up to pilot his Air France flight on Wednesday morning
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A French pilot on layover in Los Angeles has fallen 1,000 feet to his death while hiking one of America’s tallest mountains.
Tom Gerbier, 38, from Fontenay-sous-Bois, a suburb East of Paris, was discovered on Thursday 19 October at the bottom of a cliff in Sequoia National Park, California.
Gerbier had set out on Tuesday 17 October to hike Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous US, at a height of 14,494ft (4,418 meters).
He was reported missing when he did not show up to pilot his Air France flight on Wednesday morning.
A search-and-rescue operation was launched and on Thursday, a ground team found clues that a hiker may have fallen off a cliff in the area known as “The Notch”.
Hurricanes Norma and Tammy make landfall on Saturday in Mexico and Barbuda
Owner of California biolab that fueled bio-weapons rumors charged with mislabeling, lacking permits
California’s Democrat governor is preparing to unseat Biden. He just hasn’t said it yet
Arnold Schwarzenegger says he could win the race for US president in 2024: ‘It’s a no-brainer’
Striking Hollywood actors are more fired up than ever, 100 days on: ‘We are not gonna let them break our spirits’
The terrain was described as “precarious” by Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and where “the Mountaineer’s Route meets the steep and exposed North Face of Mt. Whitney”.
A National Park Service helicopter subsequently spotted a “motionless” hiker with clothing that matched Gerbier’s description.
Gerbier is believed to have fallen around 1,000 feet, the National Park Service said. His body was recovered by helicopter and taken to Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, where his identity was confirmed.
Air France told The San Francisco Chronicle that it “regrets to confirm the accidental death of one of its pilots, which occurred on October 20th, 2023 while he was on a stopover in Los Angeles (California). The company offers its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The sheriff’s office warned that the Mountaineer’s Route on Mt. Whitney is a technical climb that requires expert mountaineering skills and equipment.
“Gerbier was described as an experienced mountaineer and ultra runner with the gear and ability to complete his intended route,” the sheriff’s office said.
“It is not a hike and has claimed multiple lives in recent years,” the agency noted. “Remember, no matter how skilled and prepared you are, accidents can happen to anyone.”
Gerbier’s death is the second fatality in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks this year, according to the parks service.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments