A renowned American free solo climber has died after 300m plunge off a cliff in Mexico.

Brad Gobright, 31, fell to his death while he was abseiling down a cliff in El Potrero Chico.

Aidan Jacobson, 26, was with him and also fell, but he escaped with an ankle injury.

The US State Department said: "We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation and are providing all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment."

They were simul-rappelling, where two climbers descend from opposite strands of an anchored rope using themselves to counterweight each other, according to reports.


Mr Jaconson said: "I asked if we were good, and he said, ‘Yes, we can untangle the rope on the way down.

"We didn’t tie knots in the rope, either. We started rapping. I was a bit above him. I was on the left.

"He was on the right. Then all of a sudden, I felt a pop, and we started dropping."

Climber Alex Honnold led tributes to the athlete.

He wrote on Instagram: "I’m so sorry to hear that Brad Gobright just died in a climbing accident.


"He was such a warm, kind soul – one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with. I suppose there’s something to be said about being safe out there and the inherent risks in climbing but I don’t really care about that right now.

"I’m just sad for Brad and his family. And for all of us who were so positively affected by his life. So crushing.

"Brad was a real gem of a man. For all his strengths and weaknesses (like his insanely strong fingers, or living out of a Honda Civic...) at the core he was just a good guy.

"I guess there’s nothing really to say. I’m sad. The climbing world lost a true light. Rest in peace.