British explorer dies of dehydration crossing Antarctic just 30 miles short of goal

British explorer Henry Worsley has died
attempting to be the first person to cross the
Antarctic unaided, 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 (a bacterial infection in the abdomen),
after having trekked around 913 miles unaided
across the South Pole -- just 30 miles short of his
end goal.


Worsley was 71 days into his record-breaking
solo mission to complete the legendary British
explorer Ernest Shackleton's unsuccessful
crossing of Antarctica in the early 1900s.
But Worsley was forced to call for help on Friday
amid blizzard conditions, and in poor health he
was airlifted to hospital.



Worsley's last statement sent from Antarctica
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."
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."