A British climber and his guide who reached the summit of Mount Everest have been missing since Tuesday and are believed to have died during the descent in the mountain’s so-called “death zone.”
The “death zone” is the area of the mountains above 26,000 feet above sea level where low oxygen levels can impair judgement, cause severe altitude sickness and, if stayed there for an extended period of time, can lead to death. The summit is at an elevation of 29,032 feet.
“At 4.40am on May 21st Daniel Patterson safely reached the summit of Everest – a monumental achievement and testament to his strength and determination,” his partner Bex Woodhead wrote on the crowdfunding page this week. “Sadly, on the descent Daniel went missing and has not been heard from or seen since.”
According to BBC News, Patterson, 39, and his guide, Pastenj Sherpa, 23, were hit by falling ice while descending the mountain when a snow cornice collapsed.
Nepalese guide and British climber break own record for most summits on Everest
Dan Patterson was waiting to summit. (danpatwcf/Instagram)
The pair were climbing as part of a group organised by 8K Expeditions.
“We regret that despite extensive search efforts, Daniel and Pastenge could not be rescued following the incident,” the company said in an Instagram post on Friday.
8K Expeditions told the BBC that it is now “impossible” to find any survivors.
The company said Patterson has a “positive outlook and strong determination” and has previously climbed Nepal’s Mount Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
They described Sherpa as a “dedicated mountaineer” with a “warm heart” who had climbed Everest twice.
Dan Patterson and his guide have been missing for four days. (danpatwcf/Instagram)
“We remember and respect their indomitable spirit and offer our heartfelt condolences to their grieving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time,” it added.
Three Everest climbers go missing after falling into deep crevasse
Their disappearance came amid video footage showing the mountain overcrowded with long queues of climbers waiting their turn to reach the summit amid changing weather conditions.
April and May are considered to be some of the best months for climbing Everest weather-wise.
Nepali authorities said that apart from Patterson and Sherpa, three other people have died on the mountain this year, and 18 died last year, according to The New York Times.
According to the Times, more than 300 people died on the mountain in total, with about 200 of their bodies still remaining there due to the difficulty of descending the mountain.
A Kenyan climber who went missing this week was found dead, while two other climbers – a Romanian and a British climber and their guide – also died this week, the BBC reported.
Patterson documented his journey to the top of Everest on Instagram, saying it was a lifelong dream to reach the top.
Patterson said he has spent most of his life trying to reach the summit of Everest. (danpatwcf/Instagram)
“One thing I can guarantee is I will not give up. There are few things in life that scar me, but what scares me most is not achieving this,” he wrote.
Woodhead added about Patterson, who lives in Wakefield, England, “Dan is more than just an adventurer. He is a beloved son, brother, partner, friend and proud co-owner of Wakefield CrossFit. He is known for his sense of adventure, kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others.”
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Patterson was also raising money for the family of a CrossFit member who died from cancer.
