ALLEGHE - British mountaineer Ted Atkins has died in an accident in the Civetta mountains near his home in Alleghe this week, mountain rescue officials said.

 An expert mountaineer, 60-year-old Atkins had led a life of climbing - Mount Everest was just one of his achievements. 

 With a background in the Royal Air Force, Atkins was known for his invention of a climber’s oxygen mask which facilitated breathing for hard-core mountaineers venturing above 8,000 metres. With the invention he opened his business Topout Oxygeneering and the system has become the industry standard.

 Atkins joined the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service as a volunteer in 1979. He led the first RAF team up the North Face of the Eiger and he led expeditions through remote areas in Antarctica. He also holds the world record for the highest boat ride for his glacial lake paddle near Everest.

 One misplaced foot caused his fatal fall of over 100 metres.

 It was around 11 a.m. when another hiker saw a plummeting body and called 118. The body hit the Tivan trail – a popular trail through the scree - at an altitude of 2,300m.

 Three years ago, Atkins bought a chalet on the shores of Lake Alleghe after he fell in love with the gorgeous mountain scenery. “I love living here” is the quote which is displayed by a portrait of him which hangs in one of the local ski cabins.

 The Bolzano alpine rescue squad found the body just under the precipice, but were unable to recognize the man, report the medical staff in attendance. The body was taken to the Campo di Forno di Zoldo and after a long investigation they ascertained that the man was Ted Atkins: there was no ID found with the body but it was his car keys which helped the staff.

 Atkins was married to a Scottish lady, Shona, with whom he had a son, Lewis.

 jp-lb