The wife and daughter of explorer Paul Blelock Samuel are engaged in an ongoing legal dispute over the distribution of his £10 million estate, more than eight years after his death in a mountain avalanche. Samuel, 55, a mountaineer, author, and businessman, died in June 2018 alongside two fellow climbers when they were caught in an ice avalanche while scaling Alpamayo, a peak in the Peruvian Andes.

Samuel’s will stipulated that his wealth, including a Shropshire farm valued at approximately £780,000, should be shared roughly equally between his wife, Ana Lesiak Samuel, 59, and his daughter from a previous relationship, Kate Samuel, 25. Most of his assets were placed into a trust, with Ana and Kate named as equal beneficiaries. While some assets have been distributed—Kate having received a £1 million payout and Ana inheriting the farm and another property—the estate has not been fully settled.

The legal conflict, heard in London’s High Court before Master Francesca Kaye, centers on longstanding disagreements among Ana, Kate, and Anna Unett, a lawyer acting as trustee of the will. The dispute has caused significant delays in the administration of Samuel’s estate, with tensions reportedly present between Ana and Kate even before Samuel’s death.

In 2023, Ana unsuccessfully sought to remove Unett and Paul’s father—also a trustee who has since passed away—from their roles. Currently, Unett, with support from Kate, is requesting that Ana be removed as the executor of the will and as co-trustee of the trust, citing allegations that Ana’s conduct has stalled the estate’s progress and increased legal costs. Kate’s legal counsel described Ana as “unsuitable” for the executor role and accused her of impeding the proper administration of the estate.

Ana’s legal representative denied that she was responsible for the delays, asserting that Ana remains committed to fulfilling her late husband’s wishes by managing the estate. He also referenced a period of poor mental health experienced by Ana but emphasized her resolve to conclude the estate’s distribution.

Disputes have also emerged regarding the transparency and efficiency of the estate’s management. Counsel for Unett argued that Ana’s actions have complicated and delayed the process, while Ana’s barrister contended that Unett had failed to transfer important administration documents.

The strained relationship between Ana and Kate has featured prominently in court submissions, with Kate’s barrister noting their lack of closeness during Samuel’s lifetime and heightened tensions following his death, including disagreements over memorial arrangements.

The case was adjourned and is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings.