Reinhold Messner Update

The World renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner has given details of the recent finding on Nanga Parbat of the bones, clothing and climbing boots of his late brother Gunther Messner.

Reinhold was the first climber to complete ascent of all the fourteen peaks on earth rising above 8000 metres. After the discovery last month of a body thought to be his brother, Reinhold flew to area and has confirmed the news of the finding of the body of his brother Gunther Messner in the lower part of the Diamer glacier. In Islamabad he gave his first Press Conference last Sunday. 

Both Messner brothers made the first ascent of the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat on 28 June 1970 in an expedition led by Dr Helingkoffer. As Gunther was suffering from high altitude sickness Reinhold decided they should descend the mountain from the easier Diamer side rather than the difficult Rupal face of the mountain.

During the descent on 29 June Gunther disappeared on the icy slopes of Diamer side. Reinhold said that he thought Gunther had been swept away by an avalanche. Many critics contended that Reinhold had displayed selfish tendencies and never cared for his brother, leaving him alone to descend the more dangerous Rupal face whilst he himself descended the easier face, surviving to tell the tale.

The remains of the body were found on the lower section of the Diamer Glacier recently by local people, one of whom informed an ex porter, Mr Samandur Khan, who then preserved the bones along with clothes and a pair of high altitude boots, and informed Reinhold about the find. After examining the climbing boots and a parka jacket, he was able to identify his brother. Reinhold briefed the media that the discovery has put all blame and lies by his detractors to rest and has proven that he has been telling the truth. The event has exonerated his character and credibility and put an end to all speculation.

Reinhold showed the press his brothers climbing boots and confirmed that they were in use during the seventies. He also announced his future plans for establishing a hospital for the local communities

Press Release by Karrar Haidri

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