THIS is the chilling moment a hiker plunged to his death from the top of an 18,000-foot mountain while reportedly trying to take a selife.
Mr Hong died in the tragic incident on September 25 at Nama Peak in Sichuan Province, China.
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Mr Hong, who was part of a hiking group, slipped near a crevasse after reportedly undoing his safety rope to capture images on the snowy mountaintop.
Witnesses said he was not using an ice axe and could not regain control as he tumbled 650 feet over the snow, disappearing from view while his companions watched helplessly.
Video footage shows the man in red mountaineering clothing losing his footing and sliding down the slope as his companions shout and scream.
Nama Peak, at 5,588 metres (18,333 feet), is a satellite peak of Mount Gongga and is popular with climbers seeking scenic views and photo opportunities despite the treacherous terrain.
Officials from the Kangding Municipal Education and Sports Bureau said the man and his group had not reported their hiking plans or obtained climbing permits, and local authorities launched an immediate emergency response.
Rescue teams, including town officials, police, and community personnel, were dispatched to the area to verify the incident and provide support, while coordinating with the victim’s family.
The man was confirmed dead at the scene, and his body has now been transported to Gongga Mountain Town for his family to handle post-accident arrangements.
According to his cousin, it was Mr Hong’s first attempt on the mountain.
He had untied his safety rope to help fellow hikers take photos, but as he stood up, his crampons – metal spikes attached to hiking boots for walking on ice – caught and caused him to slip.
Mr Hong then slid more than 200m before falling into rocky terrain at around 5,300m above sea level.
Usually farmer who occasionally led visitors on hikes, Mr Hong reportedly held a climbing assistant’s certificate, though his family was unsure if he had joined this expedition as a tourist.
A local official said Mr Hong fell about 100m to 200m into rubble. The guide and other hikers reached him shortly afterwards, at a location just above Camp 1 and still visible from the camp.
The official added that initial checks showed he had tripped over his crampons, but also noted that several of his actions had breached safety rules.
“If the crampons had not been removed and the rope had not been undone, this might not have happened,” the official said.
Personnel from the Sichuan Mountaineering Association also clarified that Mr Hong was not a professional guide, contrary to some online claims.
Separately, the Ganzi State Education and Sports Bureau told Southern Metropolis Daily that the group had been climbing without authorisation, as they had not obtained a permit.
Police are investigating the case.
It comes after an Argentine tech CEO tragically fell to his death while hiking on a California mountain.
Matias Augusto Travizano had been climbing down from the peak of Mount Shasta when the tragedy struck.
The 45-year-old had reached the 14,162 ft summit during his hike.
But the tech professional strayed from the simpler descent path and ended up stranded on the Wintun Glacier.
This steep and icy point stands at a staggering 13,500 ft high.
He got stuck up there with one of the strangers he was walking with, according to reports.
The pair attempted to slide down the icy path to get to a safer location.
But this is when the horror moment struck, as Travizano lost control and hurtled down 300 feet into a boulder.
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