Exhaustion claims two Everest deaths – 12th May

Exhaustion has claimed the first two deaths of the 2021 Everest season.

American Puwei Liu and Swiss Abdul Waraich, died  while descending from the mountain, the first casualties of the season on the world’s tallest peak, their expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks confirmed.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa, expedition manager of Seven Summit Treks, wrote on Thursday morning that Abdul Waraich from Switzerland died near the South Summit at an elevation of 8,748 metre. He suffered from exhaustion.

“Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent. We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and food, but unfortunately Sherpas couldn’t save him,” he wrote.

Abdul had already climbed six of the seven summits, leaving just Everest to complete, which he summitted shortly before his death.

American Puwei Liu took his last breath at Camp IV (7,900m) while descending from Hillary Step. He suffered snow blindness and exhaustion as he consequently consumed more hours while descending.

“But with the help of extra oxygen supply and additional Sherpa support he safely reached the South Col, late Wednesday evening before he suddenly passed away,” wrote Chhang Dawa.

Khoo Swee Chiow spent time with Liu at Base Camp recently;

“Since I arrived at BC, I have been having meals with Liu. He walked to Kala Pattar almost everyday for his training and conditioning. A strong and cheerful man. But gone, just like that.”

Deepest condolences to their families and friends