The body of Corrado Pesce, the mountaineer originally from Novara and resident in Chamonix who, on Cerro Torre, in the Argentine Andes, was injured by a discharge of stones has been identified.

“Korra”, his nickname, was together with another Argentine mountaineer who managed to reach a lower altitude where a helicopter then recovered him.

The two lost all their equipment due to an avalanche. More than 30 volunteers have committed themselves to the Pesce recovery mission. It seems he has fractured legs and, from what has been observed, the man is now lifeless. The weather conditions do not allow survival, without adequate protection, beyond two hours.

According to local media, the Italian has been in that condition since Friday.

"I can't believe it - wrote his sister on Facebook -. You took away a part of us all. Your daughter, your grandchildren: for them you were and are the Spiderman on ice. It will be hard to swallow all this darkness you have created ".

"The news we received from Argentina confirms that Corrado's injuries were very serious. The fractures prevented him from moving. We were told that he could not survive for long. The area where the accident occurred is extremely dangerous, subject to continuous avalanches. ", say the Chamonix mountain guides, in contact with people in Argentina. "The small refuge on the mountain wall where Corrado found shelter is difficult to reach. The strong wind and poor visibility will prevent the helicopters from taking off for days. Perhaps he would have liked to stay in the mountains he loved so much".

"I thank all the people who attended - are the words of the sister - and who are still intervening to recover my brother ... I thank my friends and everyone for what you have done for him and I thank Tomas Roy Aguilo for having made you safe in his difficulty ... Vigil about mom and dad ... I have a new angel in heaven, I love you and I will always love you ... have a good trip ... Goodbye ".

(Unioneonline / ss)