Sad News: Sherpa Dies on Mt. Everest Sunday

SnowBrains |
Climbing Everest
The intensity of climbing Everest

With all the confusion about the fight on Everest last month, it’s easy to lose sight of how treacherous being on Everest can be.  For nearly all climbers, there is no summit without the help of Sherpas.  Sherpas are the key to Everest.  Everest wouldn’t have ever been conquered without their help.

Map of camps on South Route of Everest
Map of camps on South Route of Everest

According to Nepalese police, Dariwa Sherpa died while returning to base camp from Camp 3 (23,621 feet).  It’s being reported that he died from altitude sickness (more specifically it was likely HAPE or HACE) at around 5:30am yesterday .  Dariwa was working for International Mountain Guides on Everest.

Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa, the first summiteers of Mt. Everest
Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa, the first summiteers of Mt. Everest

Many Sherpas have died in the line of duty on Everest including even the very first attempt on Everest in 1922 when 7 Sherpas died in an avalanche.

Some Sherpas in traditional dress
Some Sherpas in traditional dress

The only other death of Everest this year is another Sherpa who fell into a crevasse between camps 1 and 2 on April 7th, 2013.  

The 1924 Everest expedition team, including George Mallory, top row, second from left, and Sandy Irvine, top, far left. Photograph: Altitude Films/John Noel Collection
The 1924 Everest expedition team, including George Mallory, top row, second from left, and Sandy Irvine, top, far left. Photograph: Altitude Films/John Noel Collection

Our condolences go out to the family and friend of Dariwa.


Related Articles

One thought on “Sad News: Sherpa Dies on Mt. Everest Sunday

Got an opinion? Let us know...