Tragedy Strikes Tibetan Mountain: American Mountaineer Anna Gutu and Nepalese Guide Mingmar Sherpa Confirmed Dead
American mountaineer Anna Gutu and her Nepalese guide, Mingmar Sherpa, met a tragic end as avalanches struck the slopes of Tibet’s Mount Shishapangma. The incident unfolded on a fateful Saturday afternoon, at altitudes of approximately 25,000 feet and 26,000 feet, according to reports from China’s state-owned Xinhua News Agency.
Two individuals, American climber Gina Marie Rzucidlo and Nepalese mountain guide Tenjen Sherpa, remain missing following the avalanches. Tenjen Sherpa, part of a record-breaking team that achieved the fastest ascent of 14 peaks exceeding 26,000 feet this July, aspired to become the youngest climber to conquer all 14 peaks twice.
In addition to the fatalities, Nepalese mountain guide Karma Geljen Sherpa sustained severe injuries but was successfully evacuated from the mountain and is presently in stable condition.
The group of climbers comprised 52 individuals from different nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy, who were on a mission to summit the mountain when disaster struck, as reported by Xinhua.
Climbing activities on Mount Shishapangma have been temporarily suspended due to adverse snow conditions. The mountain, standing as the world’s 14th highest peak, looms at over 26,335 feet above sea level.
October is a favored period for Himalayan treks, occurring after the monsoon season. Nonetheless, experts have voiced concerns about climate change elevating avalanche risks in the region. Over the past two years, avalanches have claimed the lives of at least 120 people in the Indian Himalayas.