Brad Gobright death: Top US free solo climber dies in 1,000ft cliff fall in Mexico

The beloved climber was described as 'a gem of a man'
Brad Gobright/Facebook

A record-breaking American rock climber has died after falling from a rock face in Mexico

Brad Gobright, 31, dropped around 1,000ft (300m) to his death in El Portero Chico, northern Mexico.

The acclaimed free solo climber was abseiling down the cliff with his companion Aidan Jacobson, 26, when they suddenly lost their grip.

“I was a bit above him. I was on the left. He was on the right. Then all of a sudden, I felt a pop, and we started dropping," Mr Jacobson told the Outside magazine website.

The 26-year-old escaped with an ankle injury after a bush cushioned his fall.

"It was basically a blur," Mr Jacobson said. "He screamed. I screamed. I went through some vegetation, and then all I remember is seeing his blue Gramicci shirt bounce over the edge."

The two friends were abseiling down Mexico's El Potrero Chico, a popular climbing destination
Patrick Lewis/Flickr

The US State Department confirmed Mr Gobright had died and offered its "sincerest condolences" to his family.

"We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation and are providing all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment," it said in a statement.

The two professional climbers were using a technique known as simul-abseiling, by which two climbers descend opposite strands of a rope and act as counterweights to each other, according to the Outside.

The website reported the men had not tied knots in the ends of their ropes, which could potentially have proved life-saving.

However, many climbers avoid tying "stopper knots" as they can cause ropes to jam.

The experienced climber was described as a 'warm kind soul'
YouTube/Gramicci

The publication Rock And Ice described Mr Gobright s "one of the most accomplished free solo climbers in the world".

The young American had once held the speed record on the Nose of El Capitan rock face in Yosemite National Park.

Tributes have since poured in to the sportsman from across social media.

Fellow climber Alex Honnold wrote: “He was such a warm, kind soul - one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with. I suppose there’s something to be said about being safe out there and the inherent risks in climbing but I don’t really care about that right now.

“I’m just sad for Brad and his family. And for all of us who were so positively affected by his life. So crushing. Brad was a real gem of a man.

“For all his strengths and weaknesses (like his insanely strong fingers, or living out of a Honda Civic...) at the core he was just a good guy.

“I guess there’s nothing really to say. I’m sad. The climbing world lost a true light. Rest in peace…”

Another of his climbing partners Alice Hafer wrote: "He had a magic about him on the rock, unlike anyone I've ever met.

"He was so supportive and encouraging, always pushing me harder and believing in me.

"I can't believe that not even a few weeks ago he was sitting next to me as we drove home from Arizona.

"I'll cherish those moments always. He will be so missed, forever. Love you always Brad."

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