Many dream of adding climbing Mount Everest to their list of achievements. However, the imposing mountain has also claimed many lives. And unfortunately, it has claimed another; this time, a local mountaineer.
A 51-year-old Malaysian, 张茹心, recently took a trip to Nepal to climb Mount Everest. With thirty years of mountaineering experience, many were convinced the female mountaineer was more than ready. Regretfully, she suffered from severe hypoxia mid-journey and passed away on 10th October.
According to the sister of the deceased, the late female mountaineer had flown to Nepal on 1st October with ten others, all mountaineers. The plan had been to start climbing Mount Everest the next day. However, on 7th October, her sister started feeling out of breath. The group then made the decision to camp at a lower altitude, hoping it would help with her oxygen intake.
Regretfully, it did not help. “The group said that my sister was transferred from Annapurna Base Camp (about 4130 meters above sea level) to Machhapuchchhre Base Camp (roughly 3600 meters above sea level) for oxygen,” she said. “Unfortunately, she passed away in camp about 2 o’clock (on 10th October).”
The late mountaineer’s body was unable to be transported down via helicopter as the weather was too severe. As such, she was carried down the mountain instead, in a 7-hour journey. Currently, her body, which is still in Nepal, has been sent for autopsy at a local hospital. “We are waiting for the autopsy report and death certificate to be released,” her sister explained.
Their mother has made the decision to cremate her sister’s body in Nepal before bringing her home to Malaysia for her burial. “At the moment, no one can tell us how long (this) will take,” the sister admitted. Her passing too devastated local blogger 翱翔天際·談古今·論道理.
He posted a last letter to her on his Facebook, describing her as one of the best people he’d known; hardworking, caring and selfless. “Farewell, sister,” he wrote. “May (you) rest in peace.” The blogger also included photos of them together. Fans and friends have since left condolences in the comments section, with many praying for her to find peace in the afterlife.
Our hearts go out to those who knew her and we hope they will be able to find peace in her passing. Climbing Mount Everest is no easy feat, and we sincerely hope those who wish to challenge the mountain will do all they can to ensure their safety on the journey.
Sources: China Press, Facebook
