Viral 'Spider-Man of Yemen' dies after falling into volcano crater

Yemeni climber Al-Qa’qa’ bin Antar, known online as the “Spider-Man of Yemen,” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting one of his signature unroped climbs.

Bin Antar, also widely reported as Qaqaa Antar al-Absi, became known across social media for climbing sheer rock faces without ropes, harnesses, or other safety equipment. He was often filmed scaling steep cliffs and volcanic terrain, sometimes writing names in white chalk high up on the rock walls.

According to Al Jazeera, the 30-year-old died after falling while climbing the 120-meter Haradhat Damt volcanic crater without equipment. The crater is located in Damt, in Yemen’s Al Dhale province.

Spider-Man of Yemen dies in volcanic crater fall

The accident happened on Friday, June 12, while bin Antar was climbing inside the Haradhat Damt crater. Local reports say he lost his footing and fell into the crater, where responders later worked to recover his body.

Yemen Monitor reported that Civil Defense found bin Antar’s body on Saturday, one day after he fell into the dormant volcanic crater in Al Dhale. Yemen Online also reported that Civil Defense deployed diving and water rescue teams with equipment and lighting units due to the difficulty of the recovery effort.

The site reportedly presented major challenges for rescuers, including steep rocky terrain, limited access routes, and hazardous conditions inside the crater. His body was recovered after an operation that lasted nearly 24 hours.

Videos of Antar’s fatal fall have circulated online, showing the moment the climber lost his grip and plummeted into the crater.

Local reports have also highlighted the economic reality behind his stunts. Yemen Online reported that bin Antar had previously said that poverty pushed him to undertake dangerous climbs to make money.

-Dexerto