Tributes for Derbyshire dad killed in avalanche

Tributes have been paid to a Derbyshire man who died in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands.
Adrian David Bankart, who was known as Dave. Picture submitted.Adrian David Bankart, who was known as Dave. Picture submitted.
Adrian David Bankart, who was known as Dave. Picture submitted.

Adrian David Bankart, of Hopton, near Wirksworth, had been climbing with a companion on Creag Meagaidh – a mountain range about 19 miles north east of Ben Nevis.

Fifty-four-year-old Mr Bankart, who was known as Dave, was airlifted from the mountain but sadly later died in hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Bankart, who lived with his partner Lisa Simpson, leaves two children, Tom, 27, and Laura, 23.

The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.
The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.

He moved to Derbyshire after retiring from Norfolk Constabulary and worked part-time at Chatsworth prior to his death.

In a statement, Mr Bankart’s family said: “We are all heartbroken about his sudden and tragic loss but are taking comfort in that he was doing what he loved which was being in the mountains. We will miss him enormously.

“He was an experienced climber and hill walker who relished being in the out of doors.”

Mr Bankart was a key member of Derwent Mountaineering Club.

The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.
The tragedy happened at Creag Meagaidh in the Scottish Highlands.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement, the club said: “Dave was a very active member and very well liked. He was an experienced, strong, all-round climber who climbed in many parts of Europe and the UK.

“Dave loved climbing – it was his way of getting the best out of life. He would often say that his only regret was that climbing came to him late in life following his retirement from the police.

“He died doing something he loved. His passing, though, is incredibly sad for all of us. We will miss him terribly, his love of life, his enthusiasm and his infectious smile.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland added: “The family of Mr Bankart would seek this opportunity to extend their gratitude to all emergency services and mountain rescue personnel who were involved in the incident.”

Mr Bankart’s companion was badly injured in last Wednesday’s tragedy.