Expecting a child takes precedence over personal thrill-seeking. When one becomes, or will shortly become a parent, unnecessary risk-taking is irresponsible, regardless of whether one can get a refund on a big deposit on a trip to climb a mountain. When the choice is between a father being there for his child and money or a fabulous trip, only a selfish man would choose the trip.
Mr. Delany was a well-off man. Had he wanted to get back home, he could have done so. Sure, he might have missed his trip, but better that than missing raising his child.
The baby was born pre-maturely, apparently the family did not inform him that she was born, he died not knowing that she was born. It’s likely the due date fell on a date that he thought he would be back in time for, the decision to go was most certainly discussed with his wife and family which they were okay with or he wouldn’t have gone.