Marblehead, Massachusetts – David Breashears, a renowned mountaineer, author, and filmmaker known for co-directing and co-producing a 1998 IMAX documentary on climbing Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 68, his business manager confirmed on Saturday. Breashears was discovered unresponsive at his residence in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on Thursday, said Ellen Golbranson.
Although the exact cause of death remains unknown at this time, Golbranson stated that Breashears died of natural causes. Throughout his career, Breashears successfully summited Mount Everest five times, including an expedition in 1996 where he carried an IMAX camera to the top of the mountain. His family described him as a pioneer in combining his love for climbing with photography, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s most respected adventure filmmakers.
In 2007, Breashears established GlacierWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to highlighting changes in Himalayan glaciers through art, science, and adventure. By leveraging his climbing and photography expertise, Breashears created groundbreaking records that showcased the dramatic impact of climate change on the historic mountain range, according to his family.
Notable achievements in Breashears’ career include transmitting the first live television footage from Everest’s summit in 1983 and becoming the first US citizen to conquer the summit twice in 1985. In 1996, while filming a documentary on Everest, Breashears and his team were caught in a blizzard that tragically claimed the lives of eight climbers. Despite the circumstances, Breashears paused filming to assist the stranded individuals.
Breashears’ legacy as a pioneering mountaineer and filmmaker continues to inspire future generations of adventurers. His contributions to the exploration of Everest and dedication to raising awareness about environmental issues in the Himalayas leave a lasting impact on the worlds of mountaineering and documentary filmmaking.