Body of missing photographer found on Snowdon

MISSING photographer Gerry Coyle's body has been found six months after he disappeared on Wales' highest mountain.

The 65-year-old was last seen near the cafe at the top of Mount Snowdon on the afternoon of Thursday October 25 as he prepared to trek down a well used tourist trail with his camera and tripod.

Mr Coyle, of Norton Leys, Hillside, reached the summit by railway and sent a text to his wife but then failed to respond to calls or return to the Padern Lake Hotel in Llanberis where he had been staying.

It is believed he could have lost his way and wandered away from the track in the afternoon, eventually becoming isolated on the mountain.

North Wales Police and mountain rescuers mounted an extensive search to find him, but it was only last Friday (April 19) that his body was discovered on the peak.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "At approximately 2.20pm on Friday April 19, North Wales Police discovered the body of an adult on Snowdon.

"With the assistance of 22 Squadron and mountain rescue the body was recovered and airlifted to Gwynedd Hospital.

"We are not treating the death as suspicious."

North West Wales coroners office has confirmed the body was that of Mr Coyle and that an inquest had been opened and adjourned.

Retired IT engineer Mr Coyle leaves his wife Pat and their two sons.

Glasgow born Mr Coyle was a member of Dunchurch Photographic Society and was reaching the end of a two-week trip taking pictures of the scenery on the west coast of Britain.

In his last message on Facebook on October 24, he wrote: "In Llanberis at the moment. Completed 1300/1500 miles.

"Intend to get to the top of Mount Snowdon tomorrow by train or bike as do not have much time. Tomorrow night due in Barmouth and Mawddach Estuary."

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