January 25, 2016•Update: January 27, 2016
By Michael Sercan Daventry
LONDON
A British explorer attempting the first ever solo crossing of Antarctica has died after suffering severe exhaustion and dehydration.
Henry Worsley was just 48 kilometers [30 miles] from his target of completing an unassisted 71-day journey across the icy continent when he had to call for help.
He was airlifted to a hospital in Chile on Friday and underwent surgery, but died of “complete organ failure”, his wife said in a statement.
Worsley had been battling treacherous conditions, including thick ice, snow blizzards and temperatures reaching -44C.
The explorer had traced a path covering nearly 1,500 kilometers across Antarctica until Wednesday, but then spent two days unable to move from inside his tent. He then took the decision to abort his effort.
The 55-year-old had been raising money for a military charity by attempting to complete the trip that another British explorer, Ernest Shackleton, had failed to finish 100 years previously.
In a tribute to her husband, Joanna Worsley said: “"It is with heartbroken sadness I let you know that my husband, Henry Worsley, has died following complete organ failure; despite all efforts of ALE [Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions] and medical staff at the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile.
“Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals of raising over £100,000 [$142,500] for the Endeavour Fund, to help his wounded colleagues, and so nearly completing the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic landmass.
“A crossing made, under exceptionally difficult weather conditions, to mark the 100th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition – his lifelong hero.”
The Endeavour Fund is managed by Prince William, who hailed Worsley’s “great courage and determination”.
"Even after retiring from the Army, Henry continued to show selfless commitment to his fellow servicemen and women, by undertaking this extraordinary Shackleton solo expedition on their behalf,” he said.
