A recreational climbing trip turned tragic when a 31-year-old man fell to his death on Mount Nama after allegedly unfastening his safety equipment to take photographs near the summit.

The incident occurred on September 25, when the man identified only by his surname Hong was hiking with a group on the 5,588-metre (18,332-foot) peak, a sub-summit in the Gongga Mountain Range located on the eastern Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan Province.

A video widely shared online captured the terrifying moment. In the footage, Hong can be seen standing close to a snowy ledge without his rope clipped in. Seconds later, he loses balance and slips reportedly tripping over his crampons and vanishes from sight after sliding down a steep, icy slope. Eyewitnesses described watching in horror as he descended nearly 200 metres (656 feet) before disappearing over the edge.

A man in his 30s died on Nama Peak in Sichuan, China, after reportedly untying his safety rope to take photos near a crevasse.

Witnesses said he slipped without an ice axe, slid over 200 meters, and disappeared from view. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Nama Peak,… pic.twitter.com/oeeQdVyfVq

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 27, 2025

Rescue teams were quickly dispatched, but unfortunately, Hong was declared dead at the scene. His body was recovered and transported to Gongga Mountain Town, where his family was notified.

Safety Violations and Inexperience Cited

Local authorities have since criticised the group for failing to follow mountaineering protocols. According to the Kangding Municipal Education and Sports Bureau, the climbers had neither obtained the necessary permits nor informed officials of their ascent.

In a statement to The Sun, a bureau official remarked, “If the crampons had not been removed and the rope had not been undone, this might not have happened.“

Contrary to online claims, Hong was not a certified mountain guide, according to the Sichuan Mountaineering Association. He held only a climbing assistant certificate and occasionally led hikes as a non-professional. His cousin told local media that this was Hong’s first time attempting Mount Nama.

Reports from Red Star News suggest that Hong had removed his safety line to help others take photos, and may have lost footing while adjusting his stance, possibly tripping over his own equipment.

Treacherous Conditions on Mount Nama

Mount Nama, also known as Nama Peak, presents serious challenges for climbers. Ascents usually begin with a 15-kilometre trek to base camp, typically set around 4,800 metres, followed by a steep and technical climb to the summit. Due to its altitude, ice-covered slopes, and sudden weather changes, climbers are advised to carry essential safety gear, including crampons, helmets, ropes, and ice axes.

In Hong’s case, witnesses confirmed he was not using an ice axe, which could have helped him arrest the fall once he slipped. The combination of removed safety equipment, icy terrain, and lack of permits made the climb particularly dangerous.

Call for Safer Climbing Practices

The tragedy has ignited a conversation on social media and within the climbing community about the risks of inexperienced climbers taking on challenging peaks without professional guidance or proper preparation.

Climbers are urged to acclimate to high altitudes, hire local guides, and strictly follow safety protocols when attempting mountains like Nama. Even a brief lapse in judgment like unclipping from a safety rope can prove fatal in such high-risk environments.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the thin line between adventure and disaster on the world’s high-altitude peaks.