American Climber Dies on Mount Makalu During Charity Climb

An American climber, Alexander Pancoe, tragically passed away on Sunday while attempting to summit Mount Makalu in Nepal. Pancoe, 39, was undertaking the climb to raise funds for a children’s cancer program at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. His untimely death occurred at the mountain’s second high camp, situated at a significant elevation, after he had returned from an acclimatization trip to the higher Camp 3.

Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, towers at approximately 28,000 feet. It stands as a formidable challenge for even the most experienced mountaineers. For perspective, Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, reaches a staggering 29,032 feet.

Madison Mountaineering, the expedition company responsible for organizing Pancoe’s climb, confirmed the heartbreaking news through their social media channels on Monday. "We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our teammate and dear friend, Alex Pancoe, who passed away unexpectedly on the evening of May 4th at Camp 2 on Makalu," the company expressed in a poignant Facebook post dated May 5th.

The company’s statement shed light on the circumstances surrounding Pancoe’s death. He had been sharing a tent with the expedition leader and guide, Terray Sylvester. "Alex was sharing a tent with our expedition leader and guide, Terray Sylvester. The two had just finished dinner and were settling into their sleeping bags, chatting casually, when Alex suddenly became unresponsive."

Despite immediate and sustained efforts to revive him, Pancoe could not be saved. "Despite hours of resuscitation efforts by Terray and our team of climbers and Sherpa at Camp 2, they were unable to revive him," Madison Mountaineering lamented in their Facebook post. The statement underscores the dedication and commitment of the team in their desperate attempt to save Pancoe’s life. The remoteness and harsh conditions of high-altitude mountaineering often make emergency medical care exceptionally challenging.

According to reports from Reuters, the Nepalese tourism department is actively coordinating efforts to transport Pancoe’s body to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This process is often complex and logistically demanding, given the remote location of the mountain and the challenges associated with transporting remains from such high altitudes.

Requests for comment from both Nepal’s Mountaineering Association and Madison Mountaineering went unanswered at the time of the initial report by USA TODAY. The organizations may have been focused on addressing the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and ensuring the well-being of the remaining members of the expedition.

The report revealed Pancoe’s past health struggles. He was a cancer survivor himself, having overcome a brain tumor earlier in his life. He had also been battling chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. His personal experiences with cancer undoubtedly fueled his passion for raising funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

Pancoe’s mission was to climb Makalu to raise funds for the pediatric blood cancer program at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Expedition leader Garrett Madison told Reuters that Pancoe had already raised a remarkable $1 million to support clinical trials and other vital programs at the hospital. This substantial sum will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the hospital’s ability to provide cutting-edge care and advance research efforts. His dedication to this cause, even while facing his own health challenges, is a testament to his selflessness and unwavering commitment to helping others.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering. The combination of extreme altitude, unpredictable weather conditions, and the physical demands of climbing can create a perilous environment. Even experienced climbers are vulnerable to unforeseen health complications and accidents.

The loss of Alexander Pancoe is a devastating blow to his family, friends, and the community of climbers and supporters who admired his courage and dedication. His efforts to raise money for children battling cancer will leave a lasting legacy. His determination to help others, even in the face of personal challenges and risks, will continue to inspire others to make a difference in the world.

Gabe Hauari, a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY, initially reported the story. Hauari can be contacted on X @GabeHauari or via email at [email protected].