Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, a well-known free climber labeled the ‘Spider-Man of Yemen,’ died after a tragic fall while performing at the Hardah Dam crater near Damt in southern Yemen.

Antar, aged 30, gained fame through his daring, unassisted climbs, frequently risking his life without ropes or safety gear. On Friday, he attempted to demonstrate his skills hanging from the crater wall, which is about 390 feet deep, but lost his grip, leading to the fatal fall.

This incident was widely covered in a brief video online, showing the climber’s precarious situation. Yemeni Civil Defense Authority released footage showing rescuers conducting recovery operations that lasted four hours, retrieving Antar’s body from 65 feet below the sulfur-rich crater lake. Conditions were complicated by high temperatures and hazardous gases.

Condolences flooded social media following his death, although opinions varied regarding the risks he undertook. Supporters suggested his actions were driven by his desire to escape poverty via social media videos.

The Civil Defense Authority issued warnings, urging caution around natural sites and emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. The increasing visibility of free climbing, boosted by social media, showcases stunts to global audiences, albeit with accompanying risks.

Similar incidents have occurred within the free climbing community. Alex Honnold accomplished a climb of the Taipei 101 tower, while Balin Miller experienced a fatal fall at Yosemite’s El Capitan last summer.