Ex-soldier died in fall from Lake District ridge
BBCA former SAS soldier died after slipping from a Lake District ridge in bad weather during a running challenge, an inquest has heard.
Bob Thomas, 58, had been near the summit of Pillar mountain in the western Lakes in August last year.
Mr Thomas, who was from Hereford, was 20 hours into the Bob Graham Round, which involves crossing 42 fells over 66 miles (106km) in 24 hours.
Coroner Margaret Taylor, sitting at Cockermouth, recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Members of Wasdale and Cockermouth Mountain rescue teams were able to locate Mr Thomas's body at Pillar Cove in poor visibility as his head torch was still shining, the inquest was told.
His wife, Jo, thanked the volunteers who recovered his body in a seven-hour operation.
Mr Thomas was described as a fit and experienced fell runner who was well equipped and had previously climbed the mountain.
After retiring from the SAS in 2005, he became a qualified mountain leader, guiding people on ridge walks in Scotland.
The Queen appointed him MBE in 2003 for his Arabic linguistic skills that he had used during his Army career.