British explorer Henry Worsley has died during his attempt to be the first person to cross the Antarctic unaided, in an epic charity mission inspired by Ernest Shackleton an explorer as well.
Henry Worsley was a 55-year-old former British Army officer, he died after being airlifted to a hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile, suffering severe exhaustion and dehydration.
After 71 days of trying to break the record, the father-of-two was forced to call for help because of the blizzard conditions. He was found to have bacterial peritonitis (a bacterial infection in the abdomen), after having trekked around 913 miles unaided across the South Pole — just 30 miles short of his end goal.
Worsley’s last statement sent from Antarctica said: “The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual grinding down of my physical endurance finally took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I report it is journey’s end — so close to my goal.”
Worsley’s wife Joanna 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 [Worsley’s expedition team] and medical staff at the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile.
“Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals: of raising over £100,000 ($142,000) 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.”