Himalayan Ascent have never had to make a post like this before, so we are lost for words how to express this:
We regret to confirm that during yesterday’s avalanche between Everest base camp and Camp 1, we lost 3 of our guides and support staff. They included our senior guide, Ankaji Sherpa, Tenzing Sherpa (Camp 2 kitchen assistant and Ankaji’s brother-in-law) and Asman Gurung (personal guide of Edwin, USA).
Fortunately, Dendi Sherpa, Ang gelu Sherpa and Anil Shrestha had already reached Camp 1 when the avalanche occurred. The boys are safe and have already returned to base camp.
Ankaji’s body was recovered yesterday and is in the process of being sent to Kathmandu to begin funeral services today. The bodies of Tenzing and Asman are yet to be retrieved. Lakpa will return from Makalu base camp today to help coordinate Ankaji’s last rites and funeral. They will conduct a 49 day puja for Ankaji. Ankaji was a key member of the Himalayan Ascent team, our entire team is grieving from this accident.
We have the families of Ankaji, Tenzing and Asman in our hearts and minds; please keep them in your prayers.
This is the worst accident in Everest’s climbing history. In total, the lives of 16 men were lost from several expeditions. Eight of the men were Khumbu locals, their bodies have already been returned to their families. Most of the men were carrying loads to Camp 1 and Camp 2 at the time. These are the men who are the true work horses of expeditions, the men who make Everest dreams come true for summit aspirants. Men who are themselves climbing guide aspirants, but still untrained, begin their experience by carrying loads for Everest climbers. Sadly they are often forgotten, let’s hope their contributions are better considered from April 18th 2014 onwards.