Pen yr Ole Wen, scene of Mr Barber's death. Photo: Neil Cowburn ![[CC-2.0]](/lib/img/layout/cc-attr.gif)
An inquest was opened today on a walker who fell to his death from a Snowdonia mountain last week.
Derren Barber of Bognor Regis, West Sussex, died after falling on Pen yr Ole Wen in the Ogwen Valley. The 39-year-old was on the mountain with a companion who raised the alarm.
Mr Barber was airlifted to hospital by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley but pronounced dead.
His poignant final entry on his Facebook wall, written on the day he died, reads: “To the mountains we will go! Yaaaaaay.”
His friend Mitchel Westwood wrote: “What an amazing human being; if more were like him we would have a much more pleasant place to live.”
The Caernarfon inquest was adjourned to a date yet to be set.
JAMES GIBBENS
02 February 2010DERREN TOOK ME ON AS HIS APPRENTICE CARPENTER 15 YEARS AGO AND TOUGHT ME WHAT I KNOW TODAY .WE BOTH PLAYED GOLF UP TO LAST YEAR. HE WAS FULL OF ENERGY AND HE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.HE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL HUMAN BEING .GOD BLESS ME OLD MUCCER AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DONE FOR ME.
Mark
04 February 2010Derren RIP, best friend at school and whilst we've not been in contact for some time my memories from the past will remain as some of the best, eel fishing and all.
charlotte Page (former Devine)
05 February 2010Derren, may you RIP, you were a good family friend of over 20 years, and you taught me a lot, everything from martial arts with my uncle and many other good friends, to youth wing, and diy too, you watch me grow up and have children of my own, thank you for being such a kind and cairing man whom was allways smileing no matter what..you'll be truely missed by all, ill keep smileing with the good old memories you left me and my family with xx
Cassy Fernandez
07 February 2010Our Friend Derren, we are so heartbroken...what a loss to everyone who knew you. On the 29th January I looked up at the sky and it occurred to me how bright the stars were shining, now I know why. You are gone from this earth but will live on in our hearts. Will always remember the sound of your laughter, such happy times we spent with you. Shine on Derren, we will see you in the afterlife.
Tracey & Ian Jacques
17 February 2010We had the pleasure of meeting Derren during his stay on the Costa Blanca - sad news - nice man RIP
Sarah Murphy (formerly Rathbone)
29 January 2012Sad, sad news. Knew Derren (and Charlotte) a long time ago and have happy memories of the old days. Found this article when I tried to look him up again recently. What a shock. RIP 'ansum, see you on the other side for a good old catch up. Much love xxx