(Originally published Aug 10, 2004.)
They believe that he had walked across from the Brevent lift to the top of the Aiguille. It was a fairly clear day but some cumulus cloud had gathered over the top of the Aiguille. Having seen Chamonix through a clearing in the cloud they think that he decided to try and take a short cut down to the valley, not realising that this was impossible and that the only way back was the way he had come, or to carry on over to the other side. The slopes you can see on the photo are just too steep to walk down and he must have slipped.
Robin was found just up and to the right of the arrow marked Pour 75 centimes de plus in the winter photo of the Aiguille (just below the bit of rock which sticks out further into the couloir). It actually doesn't look at all like this at the moment as there is no snow; see other photo Aiguille de Charlanon Summer which will give you a better idea.
Robin fell from approximately 200 Meters and was killed instantly. The local mountain rescue also believes that due to the height from which he fell, and the acceleration, Robin would have passed out, feeling no pain.
A truely tragic ending to a wonderful life. We will miss you Robin.
Pictures of the location can be found in the Photos section.