KATHMANDU, NEPAL – A British climber and his guide have been missing since Tuesday and are presumed dead in Mount Everest’s notorious “death zone” while attempting to descend the peak.
The “death zone” refers to the area above 26,000 feet where the oxygen levels are perilously low, causing severe altitude sickness, impaired judgment, and potentially death. The summit of Mount Everest stands at a staggering 29,032 feet.
Daniel Paterson, 39, and his guide, Pastenji Sherpa, 23, were last seen after reaching the summit on May 21 at 4:40 AM. Paterson’s partner, Becks Woodhead, described his achievement as monumental and a testament to his strength and determination. However, during their descent, the pair encountered a catastrophic event when a cornice collapsed, causing falling ice to strike them.
The climbers were part of an expedition organized by 8K Expeditions. Despite exhaustive search efforts, the company confirmed on Instagram that recovering Paterson and Sherpa alive was no longer possible. The company expressed deep sorrow, noting Paterson’s uplifting positivity and strong determination, as well as Sherpa’s dedication and warm spirit.
The tragedy occurs amid reports of overcrowding on Everest, with climbers facing long lines and changing weather conditions. April and May are traditionally considered the optimal months for Everest expeditions due to favorable weather.
This year, three other climbers have died on Everest, and 18 perished last year, according to Nepalese officials. Over 300 people have died on the mountain in total, with around 200 bodies still remaining due to the difficulty of retrieval.
Paterson, who had been documenting his journey on Instagram, had long dreamed of climbing Everest. His partner, Woodhead, described him as a beloved son, brother, partner, and friend, known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to helping others. Paterson had also been raising funds for the family of a CrossFit member who died of cancer.