Death on Everest
Russian alpinist Alexey Bolotov died Tuesday, May 14 while climbing on Mount Everest. He was reportedly attempting a new route on the mountain's rarely climbed Southwest Face with his partner Denis Urubko of Kazakhstan.
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Russian alpinist Alexey Bolotov died Tuesday, May 14 while climbing on Mount Everest. He was reportedly attempting a new route on the mountain’s rarely climbed Southwest Face with his partner Denis Urubko of Kazakhstan. Reports have varied, but the Nepal Mountaineering Association stated that Bolotov was killed by rockfall on the Lhotse face. Bolotov’s body was recovered at 5,600 meters (18,370 feet) and returned to Kathmandu.
Alan Arnette reports via Outsideonline.com that the two climbers were attempting the Southwest Face in “alpine style meaning they carried all their gear on the entire summit push.” The alpinists were reportedly self supported and were also fixing their own ropes while attempting to pioneer a new route on the mountain.
This is one of six confirmed deaths during the 2013 Everest season, according to Alanarnette.com. Namgyal Sherpa, 35, of Kathmandu died while climbing on Everest’s North side. Lobsang Sherpa, 27, from Kharikhola died in a fall on the Lhotse face. DaRita Sherpa, 37, from Phortse died at Camp 3 from a “sudden cardiac or cerebral event.” Sergey Ponomarev died of a heart attack at Advanced Base Camp while climbing on Everest’s north side. And Mingma Sherpa, 47, from Lukla died from falling into a crevasse while working as an Icefall doctor.
To read Alan Arnette’s article for Rock and Ice titled “Why Everest Deserves Respect” click HERE.