A NSW parks contractor and climbing enthusiast killed by a rock slide in the Blue Mountains has been described by mourning friends as a "gentle, burly man" and "a true legend".
Dave Gliddon, 36, was working near a cliff track at Wentworth Falls on Wednesday afternoon when a section of sandstone fell from 10 metres above.
Two of his colleagues, aged 26 and 27, were trapped under rock and had to be winched to safety but Mr Gliddon did not survive.
His body was retrieved on Thursday as friends set up a Facebook page to share their memories of Mr Gliddon, including many who recalled climbing adventures.
"Dave was such a quality guy, down to earth good-natured, someone who would also inspire the best in others and topped with a sense of humility," one friend wrote.
"The sweetest friend who made you want to be more tolerant and patient, more adventurous, more familial, learn all the skills," another said.
Others described Mr Gliddon as "one of the brightest burning souls" who was "kind and full of energy".
Mr Gliddon's 27-year-old colleague suffered pelvic injuries, broken legs and minor head injuries, and was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical but stable condition, while his 26-year-old workmate was airlifted to St George Hospital some hours later with back and head injuries.
Both men are now in stable conditions.
Geotechnical engineers had to assess the rugged site on Thursday to ensure it was safe, with police confirming Mr Gliddon's body was extracted from the site at 1.20pm.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The section of the National Pass track has been closed since August due to "a very dangerous, unstable section of rock above the walking track", according to a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warning.
The rock slide sounded like dynamite exploding, said one bushwalker who was nearby at the time.
The sandstone that makes up the well-known mountain range is prone to rock slips, especially after rain, and the area received three millimetres of rain in the 24 hours before the fall.
