Two climbers, a Swiss and a U.S. national, died on Mt. Everest, marking the first deaths on the world’s highest mountain in 2021.
Abdul Waraich, 41, a Swiss climber, and Puwei Liu, 55, an American, were both able to reach the highest camp but experienced issues, which ultimately proved fatal, expedition organizers announced Thursday. Waraich was able to reach the peak and encountered problems on his descent.
“Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing difficulties during his descent,” Chhang Dawa of the expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks in Nepal, told the Associated Press. “We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and food. Unfortunately, the Sherpas couldn’t save him.”
BIDEN PRESSURED FROM BOTH SIDES OVER UNEMPLOYMENT BOOST
Liu reached the highest camp on the mountain, South Col, but when he was between there and the summit, had to turn around because of snow blindness and exhaustion.
Despite getting support from team members and additional oxygen, he died Wednesday evening. No other details were immediately available.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The mountain acts as the border between Nepal and China. Both countries canceled climbing seasons last year, and now, China is only allowing Chinese climbers on their side, while Nepal is permitting foreign climbers to return.
