Explorer Dies Just Miles Short Of Becoming The First To Succesfully Cross The Antarctic Alone

Photo Credit: Shackleton Solo Facebook Page — Photo Credit (+Cover Photo): Shackleton Solo Facebook Page

Popularized by Alfred Lansing’s book, Ernest Shackleton’s death-defying journey aboard the Endurance originally started with a crew of twenty-eight men. However, when ice crushed his ship, Shackleton was forced to lead a group of three across South Georgia island in what would become the first land crossing of the island.

Nearly a century after Shackleton’s harrowing expedition, Henry Worsley became inspired to execute a complete crossing of the continent alone and unassisted.

For nearly 900 miles of skiing across Antarctic ice fields and mountains, Worsley braved the least hospitable conditions on planet Earth before soft snow hampered his efforts. Such conditions made it exceedingly difficult for Worsley to successfully ski as well as haul his supply laden sled. Consequently, he called for help and was later rescued by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions just 30 miles short of success. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated by the time he arrived at a Chilean hospital on Sunday in Punta Arenas, where he died of a bacterial peritonitis.

With great sadness, we confirm Henry Worsley died on the 24th January 2016 in Punta Arenas https://t.co/k5KnG85kdg pic.twitter.com/xx8fNh9lbz

— Shackleton Solo (@shackletonsolo) January 25, 2016

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Organized as a way to support injured servicemen and women, the expedition had already raised a surplus of £100,000. Worsley himself served in the British Army for just over 36 years and it was during his service that he became interested in the journeys within and around the Antarctic. Before setting out on his ill-fated journey, he successfully completed two expeditions near the southernmost point on earth.

Henry plays cat and mouse with a gliding sledge on the first proper downhill https://t.co/D6Euqg86jt pic.twitter.com/DBpSG8hGLG

— Shackleton Solo (@shackletonsolo) January 17, 2016

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*Our sincere condolences go out to Henry’s friends, family, and fellow servicemen

In a statement, Henry’s wife Joanna had this to say:

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 and medical staff at the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals: of raising over £100,000 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.

On behalf of myself and family I wish to thank the many hundreds of you who have shown unfailing support to Henry throughout his courageous final challenge and great generosity to the Endeavour Fund. Donations now total over £106,773.

You can donate to the cause here: Shackletonsolo.org.