Climber in Whitby jet tragedy ‘died doing something he loved’

51-year-old Malcolm Hall, also known as Mac, fell at Kettleness Point, near Runswick Bay, north of Whitby, on Friday.

He was abseiling on the cliff looking for Whitby jet when he fell. Mr Hall, from Skelton near Saltburn, was airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where he was pronounced dead.

His family said in a statement: “Not only have we lost a son, brother, dad, granddad and uncle, we have also lost a friend who loved his family dearly and was always there for us whenever we needed him, no matter what.

“It is a small comfort to us knowing that Mac died doing something that he loved.

“He will be terribly missed by us and his wide circle of friends who we would like to thank for their kind words of comfort, love and support.”

Officers have appealed for walkers who may have been in the area to come forward.

Temporary detective superintendent Steve Smith said the incident happened at about 12.40pm on Friday.

Mr Smith, said: “This is a tragic incident involving two climbers who appear to have got into difficulty, resulting in the death of one of them.

“A full investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened. The family of the dead man are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.”

He said the area is popular with walkers and the Cleveland Way goes through the village of Kettleness.

It is believed that at least two walkers were seen in the area around the time the incident happened and Mr Smith appealed for them to come forward.