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(CNN) - The American climber Brad Gobright died after falling into a vacuum while making an ascent in northern Mexico.
The incident occurred Wednesday on the Shining Path in El Potrero Chico, in the state of Nuevo León, the civil protection agency of Mexico said. Gobright, 31, of Orange County, California, was with a climbing partner when he fell from almost 300 meters high.
Rescuers recovered his body on Thursday and treated his climbing partner, Aidan Jacobson, for injuries to his ankle and other parts of his body.
A climbing partner and a friend of the couple said that Jacobson commented that his rope got stuck and that both men fell from 6 to 9 meters. The Potrero Chico is located 50 kilometers northwest of Monterrey, in Nuevo León.
Jacobson crashed into a bush, which slowed his fall and prevented him from falling further. "It saved his life," said friend Ryan Borys. Jacobson told him that he saw Gobright fall on him and on the platform.
The United States Department of State confirmed Gobright's death in Mexico.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family for their loss. We are closely monitoring the investigation of local authorities and are providing all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no more comments, ”he said.
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I don't really know how to believe this or what to say. My good friend and best climbing partner I've ever had, @bradgobright is no longer with us. He was an amazing person, more driven and psyched than anyone I've ever known. I had a magic about him on the rock, unlike anyone I've ever met. He was so supportive and encouraging, always pushing me harder and believing in me. I can't believe that not even a few weeks ago he was sitting next to me as we drove home from Arizona. I'll cherish those moments always. He will be so missed, forever. Love you always Brad.
A post shared by alice hafer @ (@alicehafer) on Nov 27, 2019 at 10:57 pm PST
The famous climber Alex Honnold, who appeared in the movie "Free Solo," paid tribute to Gobright in an Instagram post.
“He was such a warm and kind soul, one of the few partners I always loved spending a day with,” he published. “… I'm sad for Brad and his family. And for all of us who were so positively affected by his life. It is so overwhelming. Brad was a true jewel of a man. The world of climbing lost a true light. ”
Alice Hafer, one of Gobright's climbing companions, described her surprise at the news of her death.
"He had a magic about him in the rock, unlike anyone he has ever known," he said. “He was so supportive and encouraging, he always drove me stronger and believed in me. I can't believe that not even a few weeks ago I was sitting next to me while driving home from Arizona. I will always appreciate those moments. ”
- Maija Ehlinger of CNN, Juliana González and Mary Kay Mallonee contributed to this report