Explorer Worsley Dies After Antarctic Airlift

Explorer Henry Worsley has died after collapsing from exhaustion - 30 miles short of completing a solo crossing of Antarctica.

The 55-year-old was attempting to recreate the majority of Sir Ernest Shackleton's unfinished journey to the South Pole and become the first adventurer to cross the continent - unsupported.

He was 71 days into the charity challenge - battling temperatures of -44C - when he called for help and had to be airlifted off the treacherous ice to a hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile.

The former Army officer's wife, Joanna, said she was "heartbroken" as she announced his death.

"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," she said in a statement.

Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, who served with Mr Worsley in Afghanistan, told Sky News: "Genuinely he is one of the most impressive people I've ever met.

"He's an extraordinary loss, not just for the Army from which he retired not that long ago, but to our country.

"He really has demonstrated that the days of adventure and heroism are not dead."

The ex-lieutenant colonel from London had covered 913 miles and passed the South Pole as part of the trek when he began to suffer from severe dehydration and exhaustion and decided to stop and raised the alert.

The explorer had already raised £106,773 for the Endeavour Fund, a charity managed by the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to help wounded servicemen and women.

In his final statement sent from Antarctica, Mr Worsley described his sadness at having to pull out so close to the finish.

"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," he said.

The adventurer also said that after having been a career soldier for 36 years, the focus of his trek was "giving back to those far less fortunate than me".

He underwent surgery at the Chilean hospital, but died on Sunday.

Mr Worsley was found to have bacterial peritonitis - when the thin layer of tissue lining of the abdomen becomes infected.

His wife said: "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."

Expressing his immense sadness, Prince William said he and his brother had "lost a friend" and paid tribute to Mr Worsley's "selfless commitment" to his fellow servicemen and women.

"Harry and I are very sad to hear of the loss of Henry Worsley. He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him," he said in a statement.

"We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all, especially those who will benefit from his support to the Endeavour Fund.

"We will now make sure that his family receive the support they need at this terribly difficult time," he added.

The charity tweeted: "@EndeavourFund is devastated by tragic conclusion to @shackletonsolo. We join Henry's family in mourning their loss."

Fellow adventurers Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle described their devastation at hearing the news.

Grylls wrote: "One of the strongest men & bravest soldiers I know. Praying for his special family," while Fogle said: "So sad to hear that Antarctic explorer Henry Worsley @shackletonsolo has passed away. An inspiration to us all."