British
explorer Henry Worsley has died while attempting to cross the
Antarctic, in an epic charity mission inspired by Ernest Shackleton.
The
55-year-old former British Army officer died after being airlifted to a
hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile, suffering severe exhaustion and
dehydration.
The
father-of-two was found to have bacterial peritonitis, after having
trekked around 913 miles unaided across the South Pole -- just 30 miles
short of his end goal.
Prince
William, a friend of Worsley and a patron of the Shackleton Solo
Expedition, said he and his brother Prince Harry were saddened by the
news. "He was a man who showed great courage and determination," he
said. "We are incredibly proud to be associated with him.
"Even
after retiring from the Army, Henry continued to show selfless
commitment to his fellow servicemen and women, by undertaking this
extraordinary Shackleton solo expedition on their behalf."
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."
Worsley
was 71 days into his ambitious solo mission to complete legendary
explorer Ernest Shackleton's unsuccessful crossing of Antarctica a
century ago.
In
his last statement sent from Antarctica, Worsley 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."