Visit Konga

Thursday, 10 December 2015

North Face's Douglas Tompkins Dies in Chile Kayak Accident


The US clothing billionaire Douglas Tompkins has died in a kayaking accident in southern Chile, aged 72.

The North Face and Esprit co-founder died of hypothermia after the kayaks he and five others were in capsized in strong waves, authorities said.


He was taken by helicopter to hospital in Coyhaique but had stopped breathing when he arrived, doctors said.

Mr Tompkins bought up large tracts of land in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia to keep them pristine.

'Legacy of conservation'

A military patrol boat rescued three of the kayakers on General Carrera Lake and a helicopter lifted out the other three, the Chilean army said.


"Doug was a passionate advocate for the environment," said The North Face in a statement.
 "His legacy of conservation will help ensure that there are outdoor spaces to be explored for generations to come."

No comments:

Post a Comment