1 American Climber Killed, 1 Missing After Twin Avalanches Near Peak of Tibet Mountain

American climber Anna Gutu was confirmed dead after an avalanche hit Mount Shishapangma on Saturday.Photo:Anna Gutu/Instagram

Anna Gutu/Instagram

One American climber is dead and another is missing following twin avalanches on the same mountain in Tibet.

The deadly avalanches struck experienced climbers Anna Gutu and Gina Marie Rzucidlo at around 25,000 feet on Mount Shishapangma Saturday afternoon, according toThe Himalayan Times, which added that the pair were competing to become the first American woman to scale all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet).

The two had both completed their 13th peak just days before they started to climb Mount Shishapangma, added the outlet.

“There are other climbers missing as well and rescue efforts are underway,” he added.

On Sunday, Rzucidlo’s sister Christy Rzucidlo said that her family was “still praying for a miracle,“in a Facebook post.

“As of this morning, my sister Gina and her Sherpa are still unaccounted for,” she added.

“Gina was a skilled climber and mountaineer but above all she was a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt,” added Church.

Mount Shishapangma in Tibet.Lonely Planet Images/Getty

Lonely Planet Images/Getty

Rzucidlo’s Nepalese mountain guide Tenjen Sherpa also remained missing Monday, according to CBS News. In August, he set a new record of climbing all of the world’s 14 highest peaks in a record time of 92 days alongside Norwegian climber, Kristin Harila, theAssociated Pressreported.

“Our hearts were heavy as we received news of Tenjen Sherpa (Lama), who went missing on Mt. Shisha Pangma on October 7, 2023. Lama’s indomitable spirit has always inspired us all with his dedication and kindness,” Nepal-based mountaineering company Seven Summit Treksposted on X(formerly known as Twitter) Monday.

“His mountaineering legacy will forever shine brightly, and his memory will be etched in our hearts. Our prayers go out to Lama and his family, as well as to those who went missing and perished on Shisha Pangma,” the post added.

Mount Shishapangma is the 14th-tallest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 26,335 feet.

“One step, one peak closer to accomplish all 14 highest mountains on earth,” shewrote on Instagram. “I don’t think I fully comprehend what has happened for the past 6 months, but I am sure there will be a lot of material to write a book or entire sequel.”

Prior to climbing Mount Shishapangma, Rzucidlo had also reached the summit of Cho Oyu.

Per anInstagram postfrom 8K Expeditions, Mount Shishapangma would have been her 14th successful summit after peaks including Mount Everest and K2.

“We would wish her all the very best for her final Peak to complete her 14 Peak Journey,” added the post, which described Rzucidlo as “shattering limits and defying expectations.”

source: people.com