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Scottish avalanche: Two brothers ‘died doing what they loved best’
Monday, 26 January 2009
Experienced climbers: mountaineering brothers Eamonn (left) and John Murphy at the top of one of the Dolomites in Italy last year
The family of two brothers killed in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands led tributes to the keen mountain climbers last night, saying they died “doing what they loved best”.
Eamonn Murphy (61), from Carrickfergus, and his 63-year-old brother John, who lived in Portrush, were killed on Saturday afternoon along with Scots climber Brian Murray when they were buried by the deadly slide while climbing Buachaille Etive Mor near Glencoe.
As the brothers’ families came to terms with their loss, relatives spoke of their passion for the outdoors. Eamonn’s heartbroken widow Carol talked of the pair’s wide experience in the mountains.
“They went walking whenever and wherever they could, either locally around Cave Hill, around the Mournes, in Scotland, Italy and the Himalayas. That was their passion,” she said.
“They loved adventure and they both found it invigorating being part of the outdoors. It seems that this happened without warning and there was nothing more that anyone could have done to prevent it. They died doing what they loved best.”
Helicopters were called to the mountain on Saturday when nine people in two separate parties were engulfed as the edge of a slope broke away without warning.
Two people were taken off the mountain by an RAF rescue helicopter which flew them to Belford Hospital in Fort William. One was pronounced dead on arrival and the second died later. A third body was found later in the snow.
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Eamon .. was a man in a million.. a dedicated teacher and wonderful friend.
I knew Eamon as a student and as a professional educationalist at all times he had time and a smile ... nothing was too much for Eamon.
His commitment to his students was exceptional.. as was his love of his family.
Rest in peace Eamon.
Ronnie and Liz Baird
Posted by Ronnie Baird | 08.02.09, 15:44 GMT
Eamonn Murphy was a man in a million. Always smiling (ok not always when he was trying so hard to teach SOME deaf pupils who he wanted to throttle because he loved them so much!) he had a wonderful sense of humour. a great talent as an artist and a teacher. His friends and family were well loved and he embraced all of life with enthusiasm and passion.and I am proud to have been his colleague when we all campaigned so hard together in the '80s and 90's - both in the research unit at Jordanstown and the NI workshop with the deaf- using many hours of his own time without complaint . He made a DIFFERENCE to this world in many different areas. He will now be seeing all of this reward from his peaceful place in heaven. he had found the perfect balance between work and play in recent years.Like my Ian he died on a beautiful Scottish mountain.Thank you for a life well lived, Eamonn. My love and hugs go to Carol and the family for these hard days.
Posted by Dr Susan Phoenix | 29.01.09, 11:54 GMT
Our deepest sympathy to his family's cirlce. I remembered the good memory with him when he was my ex art teacher at Jordanstown school for the deaf and blind. He is very adoreable and big heart with deaf ex-pupils. Will sorely missed him as ever.
Marie Franklin
Posted by marie franklin | 27.01.09, 13:43 GMT
Eamonn and John are our Cousins - the loss to their families is unthinkable. It must be very consoling to them as it is to us here in Canada as part of their distant family, to see the outpouring of love, esteem and affection in which they are held and will be remembered. We are ever so grateful to have had Eamonn and Carol visit us not too long ago and also for their wonderful hospitality shown to us when we visited them in lovely Carrick Fergus. Our heartfelt condolences to their families of course, and to all who have taken the time to offer a tribute to them through this medium. May they Rest in Peace.
Posted by Margaret & Lawrence | 27.01.09, 00:04 GMT
this is very sad, my thoughts r with their families
Posted by suzanne | 26.01.09, 17:36 GMT
My deepest sympathy to the Murphy family. I used to babysit for Eammon when Tara and Nathan where little. I always remember Eammon to be kind, gentle and so approachable, I was always inspired by his so many talents and he will always be remembered by me with fondness.
Emma Mitchell
Posted by Emma Mitchell | 26.01.09, 16:33 GMT
I find myself echoing Steve's words. As a kid, 25 years ago, I also knew Eamonn as a family friend. I remember him very fondly. He was a breath of fresh air in a troubled time. His energy for life and art, and his gentle and respectful nature, left a lasting impression that stays with me to this day. My love and condolences to his family.
Posted by Alan | 26.01.09, 15:18 GMT
On behalf of the Deaf community, We send our deepest sympathy to the family circle, Sadly missed by all. The best teacher anyone can ask for. Our condolences to all the family.
Posted by Mark | 26.01.09, 12:12 GMT
I as youngster Eamonn was a family friend and although i've not seen him in almost 30 years now he left a lasting impression on me that will never be forgotten, i also climb mountains and know how dangerous it can be. I remember him as a calm softly spoken man who you naturally looked up to and who will be a great loss. My condolences to the family.
Posted by Steve | 26.01.09, 07:57 GMT