Annapurna Attempt and Tragedy. A ten-man Spanish expedition to the north face of Annapurna was led by Juan Maldonado. The climb came to an abrupt halt when Andrés Ferrer died from head injuries received in a 300-meter fall. He fell while rappelling from Camp III at 6800 meters on May 23 after having spent a bad night suffering from the altitude. He died the next day while being carried down to Camp I. After the accident, they abandoned the climb. The highest point, 6850 meters, was reached on May 23 by leader Maldonado and Daniel Villa, who, with Ferrer, would have made up the summit-attack party.

Michael J. Cheney, Himalayan Club, and Elizabeth Hawley