Missing Russian paraglider pilot found in Bir
This photograph, annotated by a friend of Alexey Ashurov, shows the crash site. A rucksack was found at 6, the paraglider at 5, Alexey's body at 4, and his helmet at 1.
The body of Alexey Ashurov, the Russian paraglider pilot who went missing in Bir, India, nine months ago, has been found.
Shepherds found Alexey’s body and faded orange and grey UP Summit last week on the north side of a high pass called the Waru La at about 3,800 m.
A search and recovery team was sent out from the nearby town of Palampur in the middle of last week to trek up to the pass, which connects the Kangra and Chamba valleys, and Alexey’s body was identified over the weekend.
Described as a “slot through the ridge” by local pilot Bruce Mills, the Waru La is comparatively lower than the surrounding passes, tunnel shaped and prone to venturi. Literally translated, Waru La means pass of the strong wind.
Photographs published on a Russian forum by Alexey’s friend Dmitry Vasilyev show the spot. Coordinates of where Alexey was found are N 32° 12′ 02.54″, E 76° 39′ 37.67“. Dmitry described the location as “the dark side of Big Face”. Big Face is a prominent feature about 15 km north west of the take off at Billing.
According to local news reports the body was found by a shepherd, Sharan Das, who then informed Palampur District police. It took nearly three days for six policemen and the shepherds to then recover the body, which was identified by clothing and a pair of spectacles found at the scene.
How Cross Country reported the story earlier this year
Alexey went missing in the area on 23 October 2009. A two-week search on foot failed to find him, while a campaign to raise funds for a helicopter search of the region was eventually called off.
Another missing pilot, Joel Kitchen from England, went missing after taking off from Bir in April 2002. Last seen flying near cloud his body has never been found.
Cross Country extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alexey.
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