Nima Tenji Sherpa, a climbing guide from Waku, Solukhumbu with International Mountain Guides (IMG), died at 4 am local time. He was carrying loads through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall, The Himalayan Times reported today.
A helicopter flew the lifeless body of Nima Tenji to Lukla. Photo: Ravichandran Everest/Facebook
Medical problem
When the incident occurred, at least 11 high-altitude workers from IMG were shuttling loads to Camps 1 and 2. Nima Tenji, 38, had summited Everest several times before. He collapsed from an unknown medical ailment and was found sitting next to the trail still wearing his backpack, lifeless, according to Greg Vernovage of the IMG team. No fall, avalanche, or trauma had occurred. The incident took place near the so-called “football field”.
Other Sherpas carried his body down to Base Camp. From there, a helicopter transported the deceased climber to Lukla.
Icefall Doctors Ang Sarki Sherpa, Dawa Nuru Sherpa, Pemba Tshering Sherpa, Sonam Tshering Sherpa, Chewang Nuru Sherpa, and Ngima Gyaljen Sherpa began fixing the route through the Khumbu Icefall on March 20. On April 7, they completed their task, according to Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. Yesterday, Sherpas began moving gear through the Icefall to the higher camps.
Sherpas have already opened the route to Camp 2. Photo: International Mountain Guides
Six days ago, IMG guides Sherpa Fura and Gyalzen Dorje first reached Camp 2. They reported a total of four ladders in the Icefall. Today, five Sherpas are staying at Camp 2 of the 11, including Nima Tenji, who were transporting gear.
Everest-Lhotse Base Camp at 5,364m. Photo: Seven Summit Treks
Unfortunately, this is the second death within two days in the Himalaya. Earlier this week, Antonios Sykaris perished on Dhaulagiri, also at 4 am.
This spring, 250 foreign climbers have permits for Everest.
