An Australian mountaineer has died during an expedition on Nepal’s Himlung Himal after falling ill just a few hundred metres from the summit.
Chin Tark Chan, 49, became unwell at around 6,800 metres while attempting to climb the 7,126-metre peak near the Tibetan border. ABC reports.
According to his expedition organiser, 8K Expeditions, Sherpa guides began assisting him down the mountain, but he collapsed and could not be revived.
Rescue efforts were severely hampered by high altitude and worsening weather. Global Rescue, the company responsible for emergency evacuations, told The Guardian that a helicopter rescue was deemed unsafe due to altitude restrictions and poor visibility. Multiple attempts to reach him failed before he died below Camp 3 at approximately 6,500 metres.
Chan reportedly showed symptoms of snow blindness and later suffered frostbite and internal bleeding. Nepal’s Department of Tourism said heavy snow continues to hinder efforts to retrieve his body.
Lakpa Sherpa, managing director of 8K Expeditions, told the ABC that Chan had made several climbing trips to Nepal and was part of a team of nine climbers supported by ten Sherpas. He described the Australian as “a good friend and a mountaineer” and confirmed that the Australian embassy and the family had been notified.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to Chan’s family, offering condolences “at this difficult time.”
Chan’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Nepal’s Sherpa community in his memory.
“While no words can ease this loss, we choose to honour Chinny’s memory by giving back to those who make high-altitude expeditions possible,” the family wrote.
They said the funds will be used to provide resources, training and care to Sherpa communities and mountain rescue teams.
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