May 29, 2019: Mount Everest Tragedies

On May 29, 2019, reports confirmed the deaths of two climbers on Mount Everest, increasing the toll of fatalities during that year’s climbing season to eleven. The perilous nature of Mount Everest, combined with challenging conditions that year, contributed to a season marked by overcrowding and risks.

The Climbers

The two climbers who died were from Ireland and the United States:

• Seamus Lawless, a 39-year-old professor from Ireland, had initially gone missing earlier in the month after a successful ascent. Despite extensive search efforts, his death was officially confirmed on May 29.
• Christopher John Kulish, a 62-year-old attorney from Boulder, Colorado, died shortly after reaching the summit. He succumbed to high-altitude illness, also known as “summit fever,” as he descended more than 8,000 meters.

The 2019 Climbing Season

The 2019 climbing season on Mount Everest was one of the deadliest in recent years, primarily due to several factors:

• Congestion: There was a significant number of climbers attempting to summit within a short weather window, leading to dangerous overcrowding on the mountain’s upper reaches. Images of crowded lines near the summit circulated worldwide, highlighting the risks of delays and exhaustion.
• Harsh Conditions: Limited windows of favorable weather pressured climbers and expedition organizers to attempt ascents on the same days, exacerbating crowding.
• Altitude Sickness: Many climbers suffered from altitude sickness, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly, especially at extreme elevations like those experienced at or near the summit of Everest.

Broader Impact

The fatalities underscored ongoing concerns about the management and regulation of climbing expeditions on Mount Everest. The high number of permits issued by Nepalese authorities came under scrutiny, with calls for stricter regulations to prevent overcrowding and ensure climber safety. The tragedies of 2019 have fueled ongoing debates about sustainable tourism and the ethical responsibilities of both climbers and the mountaineering operators facilitating these expeditions.