Lord Francis Douglas

Whymper later described the deaths as follows:[6] Michael Croz had laid aside his axe, and in order to give Mr. Hadow greater security was absolutely taking hold of his legs and putting his feet, one by one, into their proper positions.

I can not speak with certainty, because the two leading men were partially hidden from my sight by an intervening mass of rock, but it is my belief, from the movements of their shoulders, that Croz, having done as I have said, was in the act of turning round to go down a step or two himself; at the moment Mr. Hadow slipt, fell against him and knocked him over.

I heard one startled exclamation from Croz, then saw him and Mr. Hadow flying downward; in another moment Hudson was dragged from his steps, and Lord Francis Douglas immediately after him.

Immediately we heard Croz's exclamation, old Peter and I planted ourselves as firmly as the rocks would permit; the rope was taut between us, and the jerk came on us both as one man.

For the space of half an hour we remained on the spot without moving a single step.The rival party of Italian alpinists reached the Matterhorn's summit three days later.

The deaths of Douglas, Croz, Hadow and Hudson led to years of recriminations and debate, many blaming Whymper, others suggesting sabotage and even murder.

The coroner in Zermatt (a hotelier) asked few searching questions, and the climbing fraternity was deeply divided over the matter until long after the deaths of all concerned.

Arthur G. Butler was inspired to defend the climbing of the Matterhorn in verse:[8] We were not what we are Without that other fiery element— The love, the thirst for venture, and the scorn That aught should be too great for mortal powers.40 years after the accident, Lord Francis Douglas's sister still hoped that the remains of her brother could be found.