Bring My Husband Home - Deliverance From 27,000 Feet

SOME OF THE CONTENT IN THIS VIDEO MAY BE SENSITIVE.
However, we at Everest Mystery believe the content is educational and significant for cultural and social purposes.
The Indian government mounted an expensive and risky expedition to retrieve the remains of mountaineers who had perished on Mount Everest the year before. NY Times journalist John Branch wrote a fascinating story about it, delving into the significant cultural and social significance of the Hindu families who grieved the loss of their loved ones.
Deliverance From 27,000 Feet by John Branch:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...
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Blog of Paul Pottinger, commenting on John Branch's article. Paul's video footage was included in the online version of the article:
pottinger.net/osm/2017/12/del...
An Avoidable Tragedy | Everest Spring 2016 | A story of Betrayal, Bravery and Brotherhood, which includes a timeline of events:
www.dreamwanderlust.com/artic...
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[@Johnnycdrums]

Great channel my friend. Subbed.

[@MomCatMeows]

I love my husband but he'd never ask others to risk their own lives to retrieve his body, and neither would I. It's selfish. 🤷‍♀️

[@RachelGetirana]

Same. I’m the risk taker in my family. I would never smh

[@augustina3494]

VERY SELFISH TO ATTEMPT RETRIEVAL

[@sweethomealamanda]

Agree, agree, agree! They know the risks they take. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I love my husband to pieces, but "if" that were to happen, he'd want me to know that his body is just a vessel, he's not in it anymore. And the same goes for me. (If this is their religion, they need to think long and hard about whether they should go to Everest/dangerous expeditions bc there's a high chance of losing their life... and if you're not okay with your body staying up there, then this may not be the right thing for you to do, which in the end can put others at risk of dying just to retrieve a deceased body) May they rest in peace 💜

[@alvinjoseph8724]

Why take the risk of going there in the first place .

[@emmily9586]

I don't appreciate at all how they make these climbing stories to be somewhat heroic. It is not heroic, it is a selfish risk seeking behaviour. For anyone to expect others to risk their lives to get the body when things go wrong, whether it is the family or the person's dying wish, selfish again. Also, they romanticise dying when climbing. "They died doing the things they loved the most". No, I don't think they loved that from the moment on when they realised this was it for them.

[@Phantastikal]

Let’s keep this simple… if you don’t want your dead body littering a beautiful mountain and your family suffering, don’t climb mountains that are inhospitable. That’s it.

[@RachelGetirana]

And if you do, don’t risk others live to recover your corpse. Wtf.

[@dayleblair3494]

It is not your place to answer. This was the choice of the climber. Respect no matter what you think!@@RachelGetirana

[@MomCatMeows]

Agree 💯

[@matthewhein9012]

Straight up dude! Risking other people’s lives just to bring back a dead body is a massive pos move. But why do you expect from these tourist climbers.🤷🏽 they already don’t care about the lives of the people dragging them to the top of a mountain.

[@moniqueabundance]

💯💯💯

[@davidrennie8197]

If relatives are so keen to retrieve a body then they should pay for the entire cost plus pay for excellent life policies for the retrievers ... or maybe do it themselves with no risk to others

[@katherinechatham9032]

I agree.

[@tarawaukeri8928]

Mostly, I agree, too. Not so much they do it themselves as this may prove to increase the hazards of other climbers. I think what you've said previously should be paramount before reaching the toes of these mountains.

[@nancychampagne4946]

From what I have read, they do make them pay for the retrievel of the body

[@davidrennie8197]

Did you even watch the video? @@coloradohikertrash9958

[@christoduplessis8177]

No one is forced to do anything in Nepal. They offer their services for money. Nobody tells them to do this, they decide if they want to.

[@kinghenry100]

Leave the bodies there. Climbers know the risk and shouldn’t put others in danger to collect their bodies.

[@mariannesouza8326]

Well, actually, it’s the family members who are paying others to risk their lives, to retrieve their family member’s body.

[@prevost8686]

People who die on Everest and K2 don’t lose their lives, they forfeit them.

[@cdd4248]

Brazen and Poignant Statement.

[@user-cx1gc8pd4i]

ABSOLUTELY. Annapurna for example has a death rate of 27% to 41% (depends on which year you look at), that's way worse than Russian roulette. If one of six chambers of a revolver is filled with a bullet, it's a risk of dying of 16,7%. So NO parent of underage kids has any business up there. Or a husband or wife or son or daughter, who does not want to make their beloved ones suffer. We berate people who drink and drive as irresponsible, so we shouldn't hail anyone climbing an 8000er as a hero.

[@JL-nk1pc]

Yet here you are watching Everest videos ​@@user-cx1gc8pd4i

[@constancedenchy9801]

Exactly

[@JL-nk1pc]

@@constancedenchy9801 you're too fat to climb any mountain.

[@Lifeisgood262]

No matter the skill level of a climber, the mountain has the last word

[@EverestMystery]

That's for sure!

[@morgan72359]

Fact.

[@Cba409]

Yup, one day the mountain says its ok for a 50yr old woman to climb up, and the next day an entire army can die trying.

[@wjamimah7772]

I already told my family if I ever climb Everest (probably won’t but if I did) and I die up there, leave me. The sherpas and others who recover bodies from the mountain especially in the death zone are amazing humans and generally experts in their knowledge and training and I know the families are so grateful for them but it’s just too risky and honestly if I lost my life on the mountain I’d rather stay and be a landmark 😂

[@bradley1995]

Amen bro. Same here. Take a left at the frozen fucker with the rubber chicken hat on. I hope to see ya on that mountain someday!

[@What_I_Think_Happened]

You're right. At least your climb would result in a useful outcome, unlike most.

[@dennisc7589]

It's always been an intriguing question. I'd vote no. You would think a climber would have left their wishes with the family. When you climb the highest mountains in the world you know the risk of not returning.

[@Mila_Brearey]

The climbers do have this conversation with their team leader, where they state their wishes in case of their death on the mountain. They all seem to be on the same page - "leave my remains there or put my remains in a crevasse where I'm not in the way". No matter how much a person is paid, it will never be enough if they die while retrieving a 400 lb. frozen corpse.

[@lescook9021]

In the mid 1800's Herman Melville explained why obsession is unhealthy and deadly, not only for the person with the obsession, but also for many of those who come into contact with that obsessed person. Apparently many still haven't learned that leason.

[@EverestMystery]

Melville's insights on obsession are just as relevant today. Thanks for the comment and for watching the video!

[@dt3802]

Nothing has changed for me. I do not believe others lives should be put in danger to recover someone who knew the risks going in. If the religious, traditions are so important then climbers should not even go.

[@DulceN]

I agree 100%.

[@lorrainesawday4959]

I believe they should remain as a reminder to the climbers. If your sherpa tells you to turn back, you should listen to them.

[@MrRobbish]

As I understand it, climbing Everest is to agree that in the case of your death, your remains will remain on the mountain due to the difficulty, costs and risks of repatriation. It seems rough, but it is understood before you set out on your quest.

[@RetirementFund750]

I think they need to start having expeditions to clean up the mountain. It’s sad seeing how much trash is at the camps. At some point they have to do something. I think they need to make a law that whatever you take up the mountain you bring it back down. There shouldn’t be air tanks and old tents and just trash laying around, it should be like other mountains you leave it just like you found it or better.

[@hughjassol2072]

No one is going to risk their life, to pick up trash. Trash frozen, buried is snow and would need to be dug out. Not worth the risk.

[@RetirementFund750]

@@hughjassol2072 then they shouldn’t be allowed to keep going on these “dangerous” yet pointless trips… if you can’t clean up after yourself then you shouldn’t be allowed to go simple as that.

[@rayoko_tube]

I don't think it's worth sending out more people to die just to retrieve bodies. I agree with you and question why people are even still allowed to climb this mountain if it's already proven dangerous and fatal numerous times. It needs to stop 😣

[@boderick1]

When younger I did a lot of climbing and mountaineering in the Scotland and the Stubai Alps in Austria so never had the altitude issues, my problem with Everest is it has become too commercial, the mountain is littered with oxygen bottles, tents and waste, it has become the worlds highest dump. I personally climbed to get sway from everything and to queue to get to a summit is just wrong especially at altitude. Bodies should be removed or moved if a trip hazard to other climbers but not at the expense of more lives being lost. People who mountaineer and their families know the risk and for the trophy hunters who are ill prepared, it is a stark reminder that they are in a hostile environment and not everyone makes it home.

[@EverestMystery]

An honor to hear from a Scottish climber. I agree with your take. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts

[@Aj-eb7ej]

I agree, it has become the highest dumping ground. But it's nearly impossible to remove dead bodies. It's Mount Everest, not some other alps. To remove that, many lives would be at risk. And since you are a mountaineer, you know that heli can't fly to that top. Even if it can, will have more risk to get crashed. Hope you understand, why bodies are not removed. But agree, there's too much litter over the top. Govt needs to restrict people before it becomes highest dumping ground. There are some part of nature which must be left and admire for its beauty, not try to conquer it for personal achievement, in the mean time ruining it. Those people are not doing any experiment or something, they are just going for fun, adventure and some personal achievement risking their own lives as well as the ruining the lives who are dependent on them.

[@lindymcdonald8945]

My neighbour was a Scottish climber who died on Everest at base camp.He was a professional guide taking people up to Everest.He died in the 1990s.i'm not sure if he died in that year when all the people died on Everest as made famous by the film

[@Stratboy999]

It is more dangerous recovering a body than it is to climb the mountain. You cannot underestimate the effort required to attempt this, when just functioning is extremely difficult.

[@hanblan]

I’ve watched many Everest videos and I really enjoy and appreciate the sensitivity, compassion and nuance exhibited around this conversation by the two of you. It definitely is a different tone than a lot of mountaineering videos on KZbin and it is very much needed. A lot of food for thought! You have a new subscriber out of me.

[@EverestMystery]

I’m very grateful that you took the time to comment ~ thank you so much. When I started this channel I focused on a credo, of sorts, that endeavored to create a community of respect and kindness, supporting the idea that in this little tiny corner of the virtual world visitors would leave feeling the things you’ve shared. It means a great deal to hear that. I hope you enjoy the other offerings on Everest Mystery!

[@christac1526]

Someone who needs to provide a body to get insurance/ pension payments will do anything in order to get it. Putting people at risk will not stop someone like that ever. Money is ALWAYS number 1 motivator

[@ohsweetmystery]

Greedy, greedy, greedy.

[@TragicallyDelicious]

Who should get the Sherpas They really don't have a choice they have little ways of making money and the big dollars from mountaineering groups don't make it to them. Bodies are going to be retrieved Sherpas should get first

[@zztop4996]

This angle never occurred to me. "Someone who needs to provide a body to get insurance/ pension payments..."

[@pachecodecastro2593]

I went above base-camp many years ago as a tourist, not as someone intending to reach the top. One of the first things I told my family before leaving was ‘if anything was to happen to me, leave me there. The risks I’m taking are calculated and willful. I don’t want anyone spending money and risking their lives to retrieve me’. Risking the living to retrieve a dead body makes no sense to me.

[@EverestMystery]

Very smart thing to do. Thanks for watching and sharing your story. You might find this video interesting, about a rescue on Annapurna that started as a body recovery: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXfIiZl7ad1_pZI

[@timedwards5734]

@pachecodecastro2593 Hi, did you climb into and above the icefall or did you do what i did?. I trekked to base camp and then climbed above base camp up to Kala Pattar where i was able to get a great view of Everest??. The Khumbu icefall has always put me off saving up to make an attempt on the South side of Everest. 'IF' I do decide to return to Everest i would pay to go with a team on the Tibetan side and climb up the North ridge and then up to the North-East ridge. It's also not as busy from the North when you get a weather window, you don't get the traffic jams that you see on the Lhotse Face and on the knife edge ridge between the South Summit and the Hillary Step!!

[@pachecodecastro2593]

@@timedwards5734 hello, yes, I did exactly what you did. I chose Nepal over Tibet for moral reasons and I don’t regret it. It was the experience of a lifetime but I would have not gone higher or further, it was just right considering my physical limits as a trekker, not climber. I will cherish those memories forever. It was nice talking to you. Regards.

[@denim_ak]

This conversation was a real pleasure to listen to, you’re both very well spoken

[@michaeljones3934]

I actually read that article in the New York Times in 2017. I was instantly fascinated with Mt. Everest. I know that it is extremely dangerous trying to bring a body down the mountain.

[@Infrawgnito]

Every climber knows the risks and perils of climbing Everest. I do not think a responsible climber would want to further burden and risk the safety of his fellow climbers to bring his/her body back. I understand the grieving family left behind who are wanting closure but this MUST have been discussed before attempting the climb as a very real scenario and that a body will be left on Everest so as to not greatly risk others trying to bring the body back. It is an even greater risk for those climbers involved in body retrieval. Why risk another climber's (s) life to bring a body back down the mountain when all climbers know how a body retrieval increases the odds of yet further death on the mountain?

[@sliceofheaven3026]

I do understand the sorrow of the families and relatives that want their loved ones back. The thing is that asking for people to retrieve the deceased people from the higher reaches of Mount Everest puts the potential rescuers themselves at risk. The people who climbed that mountain knew the risks associated with the climb. There is a far too prevalent thinking happening in the minds of some people that the entire earth is some sort of a giant sandbox where we humans can stroll around and still get back to our normal lives when the fun time is over. Sadly Mount Everest is one of those extreme places on earth that probably cant be yet tamed with our current technology.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Its very expensive and dangerous to recover these bodies, and one thing we do know is that the Sherpas who end up doing the dangerous, difficult work, dont get the biggest share of it, far from it!!

[@EverestMystery]

The biggest share in this story went to Seven Summits Treks, who managed the effort, Sherpa owned.

[@robertmartin8565]

I guess it is up to the people who take on the task of retrieving these bodies. It comes down to their decision to say yes or no. It seems every decision on Everest is a personal one, be it a climber or a recovery climber.

[@EverestMystery]

I think you nailed it right there....no one should ever feel pressure to do it. Some would jump at the opportunity to make money on the mountain, regardless of the goal or objectives.

[@Mila_Brearey]

​@@EverestMystery I agree; however if an inexperienced sherpa lost his life while retrieving a body, the internet would light up like a Christmas tree with angry posts about how a sherpa risked his life for a climber just because they had money.

[@EverestMystery]

@@Mila_Brearey you're probably correct in that assumption. The topic that I endeavor to cover a bit more in the coming year regards the companies owned locally that are making money hand over fist, and equally exploiting and leaving garbage, the like. Few, if any, have had the temerity to speak up about this. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@wyomingadventures]

Sorry I got behind Thom. This was a very interesting topic. I've changed my mind about this. If someone is willing to retrieve a body willingly than it's definitely ok. This really made me think about the situation. I'm glad it brought closure to his wife.

[@michaelmappin4425]

Making the decision to summit when you are already deprived of oxygen is like betting all your worldly possessions and wealth on one roll of a roulette wheel while you're completely drunk.

[@EverestMystery]

Yes, and when that is happening, the climber is completely unaware of the peril s/he is in. It's one of the things about being at altitude where choosing one's team and climbing partners literally becomes a matter of life or death. As in, if I start acting like THAT guy, turn me around or tie me up and drag me down if I keep going.

[@trumpone4443]

They are ruining that mountain.

[@user-dm9jv1gr5d]

I agree. It was so beautiful and now looks like a dump site mixed with tons of waste and garbage

[@emmajones3021]

Spencer Matthews older brother Michael died on Mount everest and they had wanted to bring him home however they never recovered Michael but instead a deceased climber they discovered livid in the village near Everest so plan was to try find Michael and if unsuccessful then they would help bring another climber home to his family. Michael wasn't found but the family in the village all thanks to Spencer Matthews was returned to the family and such a heart warming programme. The programme is called finding Michael and its something worth watching xx

[@MomCatMeows]

The Indian climbers need to understand the risk ahead of time. Maybe they should NOT climb Everest in the first place? 🤷‍♀️

[@supersheena]

ALL climbers need to understand the risk ahead of time.

[@MomCatMeows]

@@supersheena Yes that's what I was inferring

[@CarlasLovingWife]

Hi. I would not change my mind I would however try to work with the Nepali govt to develop a body retrieval team of sherpas. Sherpa only, no rich American, Asian, or others. I think that every person who applies for an Everest climb should be required to add $500 each, this is to go to the Sherpa team who will try to collect the bodies. Also, I think that Sherpas need to have better pay. The fee should just go to the team members, not some govt employee.

[@jimshepard3966]

I recently watched "The Summit" about the 2008 K2 disaster. Okay, I realise K2 is much different from Everest. But the difficulty they had bringing the body of the dead Serb climber down to the first high camp cost the life of one Pakistani porter.. I don't think any further lives should be risked to retrieve them, after hearing about people losing their lives doing just that. It's catch 22. I don't think it's worth it.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks for sharing....I am going to have to check out that film.

[@christoduplessis8177]

If I recall in that specific instance the Pakistani porter died due to the high altitude. The porter didn't have any mountain experience and lied to get a good paying job and sadly lost his life. The Serbian mountaineer didn't impact the porter directly...

[@mebee415]

@@christoduplessis8177 I may be wrong but I watched a video about this event this week and the Pakistani porter slipped and fell in the effort to bring the body down.

[@user-yw8qf8cc3t]

Let their families go up there and get them.

[@Target..1]

In India if you summit everest you are very highly praised and treated like a king so it make the poorest risk everything for that chance however that does not change the fact so many of the people on the mountain should not be doing it Wealth has no meaning in the death zone, only experience and determination matter

[@TragicallyDelicious]

But the mountain can and will sorted out itself

[@antoniotula262]

Thanks for this comment. I had never heard of this, but it would explain why certain Indian citizens went all out to summit Everest despite the reality of their abilities.

[@zztop4996]

First I've heard of this. Interesting.

[@user-yw8qf8cc3t]

​@@antoniotula262 Depends on their Caste. Many totally unfit Indians walking the EBC trail.

[@londongirl5339]

Thank you for this video everything Everest fascinates me but i think bodies should be left far too dangerous to remove them

[@Superman5o5]

I can’t understate how much I admire the integrity you bring to your videos! Thank you for always showing the upmost empathy for your guests and the topics You’re a fabulous role model, and I hope to someday have half the wisdom and kindness that you do ♥ it’s an absolute joy whenever you upload - please treat yourself!

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much. You've literally made my day brighter by sharing such kind thoughts. I've no words to describe my gratitude. This gives me the assuredness to keep on doing these videos. Cheers and thanks again!

[@Superman5o5]

🩷🩷🩷

[@dmacncheeze]

​@@EverestMysteryI'm not sure if anyone has said this yet but weather or not the risk and logistics of recovering climbers is worth it is at least in my opinion entirely based upon individual perspective on the sentiment of human life. A life is priceless for most but some see a body as simply monetary, other see the body as an extension of what and who that person is/ were. Based on an individual what is that person worth to you and what do you believe they deserve is the real answer because in the end the only person whose opinion truly matters are the ones responsible for the recovery.

[@M_Rasmussen58]

Totally agree. We’ve needed this kind of perspective to shed light on the truth about climbing Everest/K2.

[@squarefour1]

I almost did not stop to listen to this Video. I am so glad I did. Great narration. What a terrible truth others go through. I had no idea. My hat is off to all involved

[@EverestMystery]

So happy that you chose to watch the video, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully there are other vids here that you might also enjoy

[@joerudnik9290]

They should highly restrict the people that climb these incredibly dangerous areas. It’s just an issue of ‘ego’ for most of these ‘tourists’.

[@craigg.8494]

It's understood that if you die in the death zone on Everest your body is left there.

[@SuperCosmicMutantSquid]

This interview brought up a point a lot if people tend to overlook; what are orher culture's views on death and the treatment of the body as such? I never considered that and it made me understand why a lot of families want to get bodies back and even if there is no factor of whether or not having the body plays a role in the memorial, there is still a lot of emotional impact going on with the thought of not having a body to bury. This is a situation where the answer isn't black and white but within that I still understand the danger of retrieving these bodies because of the people who have died just doing this. It came to a point where it feels like it should be up to the families and in a lot of cases they DO agree not to retrieve them, which shows they understand the risks to the people who are tasked to do so. Within that, we shouldn't dismiss the families who do want the bodies back as selfish because this is death we're discussing and a lot of people don't just 'get over' thr e thought of not even having the chance to lay a loved one to rest properly. For that, support would help while understanding that people mourn differently. This was a very interesting video and highlights the dangers and risks.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you for your great comments, and also for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it. John Branch is a super insightful journalist...and looks at things from perspectives that are not only his own.

[@mtngrammy6953]

Thank you for this heartfelt and elucidative video! You brought up answers that most people would not have considered in voting on your poll. I would never have thought about the fact that life insurance would not have been paid to the poor woman whose husband was "missing" on Mt. Everest. (Missing on Mt. Everest, after a bit of time, simply means death. I would have thought that everyone would consider this as a true fact.). Unfortunately, even those who are very experienced (Rob Hall and Scott Fisher, e.g.) can lose their lives on Everest. Climbing Everest is a feat that can be achieved only with luck, prayer, and weather, etc. on your side. One must consider that there is always a risk of not returning alive. Even by leaving the summit around by 2 pm or earlier, there is still a large chance that anything could go wrong. Again, thank you for a very good video on this touchy subject.

[@WhileWeSlept]

I forbid my loved ones from ever climbing that mountain. Because I couldn’t bear thinking of them dying and being left up there. These stories haunt me.

[@jamielee9350]

I used to do a lot of cave diving. Many years ago I told a friend that once you reach a certain point .you are on your own. Sounds harsh but you only a limited supply of oxygen.

[@EverestMystery]

This is so true....absolutely

[@robertheymann5906]

It's EXTREMELY risky to climb everest and those who don't get their wish to return safely should rest upon the mountain without harming others

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

But will it get to a point one day when there are so many bodies up there that someone HAS TO retrieve them??

[@timothymartelle5755]

Thank You for sharing this Thom

[@johng4093]

Excellent interview, great discussion.

[@jdmmg4904]

this was very moving, thank you!

[@EverestMystery]

You're so welcome!

[@janegilmore102]

Another great video Thom.🙂👏🏻👏🏻

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you for watching and for saying so! It keeps me energized to keep bringing more.

[@tomdaley9154]

I LOVE your channel!! I'm sort of an ameture mountaineer from southern Maine. I didn't realize only 3 ppl from new Hampshire have climbed Everest. Now I'm curious how many have from Maine

[@megfrank8372]

Thom FABULOUS interview, amazing story.

[@leapinglaura7343]

You've got smart viewers. No surprise! Lookit who's hosting! :)) You rock.

[@XcRunner1031]

Great video - very insightful to hear about the family perspectives. I still don't think it is worth it to retrieve bodies, but I am more understanding of the reasons folks would think differently now.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts, great to have you here!

[@ryanjohnson3615]

Maybe for the Hindu climber a concoction of something like a thermite gel carried up in a nalgene container could immolate him in situ? I don't know if that would be kosher however (excuse the reference).

[@Matt-dj3tc]

The climber was aware that in the event they die up there they wouldn’t be brought back. If that aspect of the trip was too much or not an option for the family the climber shouldn’t have been there

[@clemjoke7609]

Anyone who wants to engage in risky adventures really should have a will/estate plan in place for this sort of situation. Makes things easier for their families.

[@lady2550]

Such a selfish request. Put other people's lives at risk for what?? Nothing

[@EverestMystery]

Yes....however, there are so many gray areas of this story. And, let it be known, the company that did the recovery (Seven Summits) made a TON of money off this. They raked it in, and the families, one of them was not interested in it at all. I'm really glad you took the time to watch. Thanks so much

[@lady2550]

@@EverestMystery I love all things Everest. Which is why I said it. That's a deadly mission

[@marikka9347]

@@EverestMystery Did the people that risked their lives get a good portion of that raked in cash? I highly doubt it. This was an extraordinarily selfish request on the part of the families. If the government could get funds together they could find a way to do the paperwork to get the one guy's family his pension/benefits. People that do not understand climbing are supporting the retrieval because it is an ethically proper position to take. They are thinking it is much simpler than it is in reality. Sometimes in certain activities you are not getting the body no matter how committed you are and it should not be at the cost of another person's life. These gentleman were careless in their quest and should have turned back. Is it really fair to endanger more people to bring them down. Especially when it is pretty clear from basic research that if you get into trouble or die in the death zone you will remain there as you would otherwise take other people's lives in they tried to remove you from a dangerous area that is affecting their bodies as well. Many people responding have no idea what is entailed, how narrow some passages are, the conditions on the mountain, or even how many people it takes to bring down one body. Carrying a person that is alive and conscious is way different than carrying the, for lack of a better term, dead weight of an unconscious or deceased person. In one case you are being somewhat assisted by the person due to them changing weight, position, and ability to follow directions. The other way is like carrying a large rock with variable weight and variable balance points. It will not follow directions and can easily pull you off balance which would be dangerous on decent.

[@josaphine9422]

I am honestly in a delimma after watching this. I definitely wouldn't want to risk other lives for one body but at the same time for some families it is extremely important to get that closure and do the last rituals for their loved ones. I have been to smaller treks in nepal 5000-6000m and i dont come from a rich background, it really takes time to gather that sum and go after the dream peak. So i understand that bringing the bodies is extremely expensive as well and might not be possible for all the families to afford that. As well as the companies that handle these operations have became highly commercial and more behind money & fame these days ( i am sorry i might be wrong its just how i have seen them before vs now. So its just my opinion). At the end my answer is no but i can say this coz i dont have a loved one up there so i might not have the right to give an opinion. My prayers & condolences to those families and hope they get closure they are seeking for and the ones who are no more rest in peace 🙏❤️

[@user-wp1pl5je2u]

Screw the families willing to expend money, risks to sherpas for a selfish need for "closure". No sympathy. 50 k could go to the Indian climbers families..........

[@MomCatMeows]

Then don't climb the mountain in the first place!

[@will5989]

It would make sense that anyone climbing carried an insurance policy which have an “ash cash” provision as well as provisions for the family.

[@Loki_Trickster]

I think it's a risk taken by climbers that their remains may forever remain on the mountain. For families they should realize this is a risk when they love one goes up to climb that there bodies might never be recovered and accept any financial or spiritual risk that comes with it, the thrill of the mountain comes with the costs to both that come with it. Now if there was highly experienced volunteers for the climb that wanted to do this as a form of altruism for families but need the compensation for the supplies needed them I respect them for it. But paying for people to solely risk their lives to collect a body is incredibly selfish in my opinion.

[@williesnyder2899]

Excellent episode! I’ll be back for more content! (But if I’m not home for supper…don’t wait up, as it were . . . )

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much! Be sure to hit the bell on the Subscribe button so you are notified when more awesome content is posted....LOTS more coming this year!

[@sherryrutledge8792]

New subscriber here! Great story!

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you! I have an amazing video about a miraculous rescue on Annapurna coming out tomorrow

[@tarawaukeri8928]

Make that two!!

[@garywatson]

They should make each season’s group of climbers pay all of the costs to bring down all the bodies from the previous year, however much that turns out to be. If they can’t raise the money, then nobody climbs.

[@gabriellafox7948]

Ewe, I like this idea! Never thought of that, but it would immediately cut down the amount of trash that keeps getting piled up there because of less people affording to do it. But then again the ship is what lose out because that’s how so many people there make their living… it’s very complicated…

[@katharineharrison9091]

This is heartbreaking. That hubris and ego not only kills you but risks the lives of others.

[@Phoenixhunter157]

Anyone climbing their should understand the risks and I would hope that they would not insist on others putting themselves in harm’s way to retrieve their body. I just don’t think these families really understand what they’re asking of others.

[@Fuhgit-lu4tj]

I gotta say, I have an immense respect for people who challenge themselves to the limit. It’s fascinating. On the other hand, they knew the risk. If the families want closure, it’s gonna cost them an immense amount of money. Let em rest having died doing something they loved doing. Just my opinion though…. I’d also like to point out that dead bodies don’t litter the mountain like people think….it’s the trash and empty oxygen bottles that litter the mountain. Pack it in, pack it out….

[@davidrioux611]

Thom, I found the most captivating section of the story is the headcount is different between you and your friend, the Sherpa. Second. John’s opening statement would be rationalized by logistics and time, so his founding opinion to research on the story was different than I expected.

[@caseyclancey3308]

My own fascination with watching pods, videos, shows, movies about 8000 meter mountains whether summiting, not summiting, dying while trying or dying on the way down. It’s something I cannot understand in my own self why I’m almost obsessed with trying to understand why they would put their lives at risk, their families, it’s amazing to me…really. Truly, I almost feel like they would do all of this to find god, a higher being, themselves. It’s something I fall asleep to every night with my earbuds, the climbers experience and work they put in. It’s comforting. Weirdest thing about myself. Pretty sure I climbed in a different life. Had to. I wouldn’t be so consumed and needing this in my life and satisfied with watching others do it if I hadn’t been there sometime before. It’s truly amazing. It’s a question no public opinion could ever answer. It’s absolutely a mystery.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much. I often wonder if the people obsessed with the Titanic were actually on the ship in a previous life So I totally get that idea that maybe you were a mountaineer in a previous incarnation. On a side note....given that you are taking in content about these topics, check out my podcast The Happiness Quotient (all podcast platforms)....there are some episodes in there that probably aren't covered in this channel. I haven't kept up with the podcast too much lately, focusing here, but there is some good stuff in there! Regarding the why of climbing: finding god, a higher being, themselves. Yes, to all of it! Thanks for being here and for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@caseyclancey3308]

@@EverestMystery I will definitely check that out! Thank you so much!!

[@user-ix4iq5fv9p]

Great video maybe post some mini documentaries of your own I know you have some stowed away

[@EverestMystery]

I do indeed....going to do some work on a Gasherbrum II film I did many moons ago. Thank you!

[@STHFGDBY]

One of the important reasons in leaving the remains on the mountain is that others risk their own lives attempting to retrieve them. Many Sherpas have given their live attempting to rescue dying climbers on Everest. If you climb Everest then you know the risks, dont put others lives at risk if you succumb to the mountain.

[@Coolhansolo]

Ive know many people personally that climbed Everest from Alaska and climbed with them too. They said Everest is definitely on another level. I would have loved to have Climbed it but never had the funds. If you go there you better have very good luck or serious skills these amateurs i dont have any respect for. You can die in a city or a mountain but thats life. If people want to carry down the dead let them but pay them well.

[@EverestMystery]

That's cool that you've climbed with people who have done Everest. It truly is a remarkable feat and takes a lot of dedication and skill. Thanks for watching the video and for sharing you thoughts

[@jennifersaar1611]

I'm a bit late to the conversation, but I still wanted to give my answer. I feel for the families. I truly, truly do. But if you go to Everest, you have to accept the very real possibility that you'll never come down. In some ways, I kind of feel you should prepare for the climb as if it were a terminal cancer diagnosis. You get your affairs in order, talk to your relatives and explain what will happen in the worst case scenario, and try to make that process as painless as possible. That doesn't mean going up there thinking you're gonna die. But it does mean acknowledging the consequences if you do.

[@usnchief1339]

well said

[@hands2paws660]

Maybe a waiver should be signed along with other required paperwork stating if they were to suffer a catastrophic event, do they want their body left or do they want their body removed and may be upfront deposit or 80 an additional policy must be taken out for the recovery and removal of the body

[@maxib870]

Great video thank you

[@EverestMystery]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@Judymotto742]

Much appreciated and much respect Thom ❤

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you and thank you for being a subscriber to my channel! I really appreciate it

[@Judymotto742]

@@EverestMystery 😊

[@Sean-tl5yl]

What about all the killed from WWI and WWII who were never returned?! These people went up ther knowing they could die and be left; get over it.

[@StandedInUtah]

The insurance company requiring the body instead of pictures, witness statements, death certificates, etc. is part of the problem. The insurance company must reevaluate the expectations for payout.

[@EverestMystery]

Talk about a conundrum! How about someone going up and taking photos, then placing the body where no human being would ever see it....?

[@StandedInUtah]

@@EverestMystery That is the very best option.

[@ohsweetmystery]

Ridiculous. The insurance policy was signed knowing the stipulations. If you don't like the terms, don't get that policy.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Insurance Companies are not in business to 'pay out' .. but rather to collect Premiums.

[@thomasmusso1147]

​@@ohsweetmystery Do you work in the 'Industry'?

[@backtoobasics]

Bringing closure to the remaining family members is more important than any dollar figure

[@fishinman539]

Not when it risks others lives

[@eiszapfenkobold]

mhh I understand that people want to fullfill their life dream. But if you have a family who relies on you being alive its so so selfish and ignorant to go on such expedition. Yes if they come back they have a huge improvement but the possibility ruining family life is much higher. I don t say, don t go, but be wise and care about the not coming back issues first.

[@cathyizzo7886]

💯. I've seen one of these videos where the mom of small children went up there and died. People tried to defend her and say well the kids still have their dad. Sorry but that's not the same as having both parents. First, my dad died when I was 10. If he had died doing what he loved, that wouldn't have made a difference to me at all. All I felt was the huge void in my life and the devastation in all aspects of my life. And as for me, I had cancer when I had a 6 year old and 8year old. I didn't take my life for granted. I had to fight so hard to stay alive so that my kids would continue to have a mom. And here people are just tossing that aside and doing whatever the he// they want, no regard to their children whatsoever.

[@ohsweetmystery]

These people are selfish beyond the comprehension of a normal person.

[@thitichayattt]

For me, I think of the climbers who died on Mount Everest. They should be left there. Let's not forget that they did what they loved and dreamed of, some of them would die for Everest, so let their bodies lie there.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts....for watching the video, and for supporting the channel!

[@cliffordyamasaki6169]

I thought there were hundreds up there just for that reason,cost and danger.most interesting was the UK climber who supposedly was first but died on third try in 20s was found recently completely intact,amazing story

[@ickess]

By no means am I a climber but these tall peaks have always mesmerize me. I think it’s too risky to recover bodies that are up that high. I also wouldn’t want my body to become a mile marker like green boots did. Unless my family members were willing to learn how to climb and come get me, I say, untie me, and let me slide off into a crevasse. Maybe save a gps coordinate so that at least we’ll have an idea of where I am

[@jloughland]

I’m new to the Everest climbing culture, but has anyone ever thought of making some kind of tradition for each and every climber that goes up to put into a “fund” that pays for the retrieval of climbers when they pass? Kind of a brotherhood thing? Just asking because I don’t know the culture of it all.

[@riley6723]

It’s easier to say we “would” or we “wouldn’t” retrieve loved ones (or maybe not so much loved ones?). Until we actually have to decide…. I feel for those who do have to live with either decision.

[@twistoffate4791]

I appreciate your perspective and comment more than any other.

[@HeatherSZ]

It really does suck when someone passes on Everest but it is a choice they made, and a very real possibility that they will end up being one of these bodies left behind. To expect someone else or a crew of people to drop everything and climb to remove your body is ridiculous. The families should also be made well aware of this fact by the climber, but they probably aren't because everyone seems to have this "it won't be me" complex, when it very WELL CAN BE YOU.

[@Jennifer-ul2vz]

If I lost a loved one on the mountain..I would look at it differently..They lived to climb, saw such beautiful sights not most of us see..I wouldn't want them removed..Especially at the risk of someone's life.

[@debbylou5729]

I agree with the comment about endangering others. Your husband tapped out at that point and you want others to go up there just for you

[@pachecodecastro2593]

I don’t mean to sound callous or disrespectful, but Mt. Everest is literally becoming a dump site. Thousands of oxygen canisters, millions of coke cans and instant noodles wraps, base camp looks like an overcrowded slum. Although I asked my family to leave me there if I died, I honestly believe the government of Nepal should have the right to demand (and charge for) retrieval of bodies. In no time Mt. Everest may turn into a huge cemetery, with all the health and hazards implications of that situation.

[@butterfliesarefreetofly6964]

Idk much about how Mt Everest is shaped or where all the crevices are but is it possible to push the body down the mountain so they can be returned to family? Or is it crevices all the way around the mountain?

[@redmoonvenus7327]

Hi, I would like to ask the question from a different viewpoint : is there an environmental benefit to retrieving bodies from the slopes of Everest ? I've heard that most of the valley's water comes from there, and I wonder if it would make sense to "clean" the mountain off of human remains for that purpose. It is not natural for any sort of things, even less so organic matter, to go up there and be be left on these summits, but I am not knowlesgeable enough to know if it really makes a difference. If anyone has information on this I am interested to hear it. And of course I understand how important it is for a family to find their loved ones, but I wanted to investigate a different aspect of the question.

[@GLITTERandSKULLZ]

It depends on what the dead would've wanted. Personally i think they knew the risk and knew the probability that they'd be left there after death and wouldn't want risks taken to remove them.

[@terrahmama]

Is there any idea how many people that have made Siddhartha their resting place? I kind of gave up my facination with climbing Everest years ago but this came across my suggestions today. Interesting perspective.

[@michellesilver2218]

Unbiased dialogue. Hardly. You two have awe and wonder in your voices every time you speak of reaching the top. Like these goobers are hero’s.

[@bflipwick6673]

I don’t understand why all these factors are not taken into consideration before making the decision to climb Everest. These were grown men with families and it never occurred to them that the worst might happen? It’s tragic for the families but are they not considering that they are putting other families in the same position.

[@robertcapps365]

If I ever even had the money to try and climb that mountain and I died in the process and someone risked their life to come get e when you get to heaven with me I'm kicking your butt

[@EverestMystery]

Love it!

[@thermalreboot]

I do think there should be a carry in/carry out policy on the mountain. There seem to be many O2 bottles on the mountain and left behind tents. If people won't do it themselves then there should be a fee to hire Sherpas to do it. There could also be a fee for body removal, or maybe some kind of insurance policy that could be used to pay Sherpas to bring down the dead, though bodies are bigger and heavier to remove and it's not worth the life of a Sherpa to retrieve a body. Then again I understand that there aren't that many days you can climb the mountain so the possibility to collect the dead is limited.

[@chunkamunga5692]

Love your videos!! I think most people would be happy to stay on the mountain if they dont make it, thats the deal you make but people could definitely be responsible for there rubbish, if you can get it carried up you can get it carried back down & these companies need to take more responsibility for whats left on the mountain

[@macpduff2119]

I just can't imagine climbing Everest and passing such gruesome sights!

[@jean-pierreboudreau7269]

For me I think that most climber that understand the risk of climbing also understand the risk of going to retrieve a body on a mountain . I would like to believe that most climbers would like to stay on the mountain if the died on that mountain .

[@thecornishwildcamper]

Whilst I'm not a mountaineer I understand the difficulties in retrieving a body from such heights. If the body is in an accessible location then if the risk is acceptable then bring them down if however the risk to life is there to retrieve the body then I think it should be left in place.

[@MichaelmaxxxxX]

i voted no, but I never realized the other side of the story. I guess it is up to the family and the men who are compensated for the risk.

[@prycenewberg3976]

I hope my comment will be taken as nothing more than an observation and not any suggestion of remedy. I'm (originally) from Florida. Cave country. If you think I'm kidding, you're thinking of dry caving. I'm talking about SCUBA cave diving. This is a very complex, demanding sport, and many many many many many (is that enough?) many people die in caves when they are not properly trained for cave diving. A small group of the best cave divers in the world volunteer to perform body recovery from underwater caves. On more than one occasion, such a diver lost his life attempting to recover a body. These men and women undertake this work on a volunteer basis and accept the risk of their endeavor before they suit up. The poll with which you started the video mentioned the extreme expense of conducting body recovery from Everest. Whose expense? Who, assuming a successful expedition, at the end of the day, who pays for it? And who performs it? Generally, from talking to a (yes, I've only talked to one) cave diver that has conducted body recovery, the diver has to pay for his own gear and travel, not to mention time. They are volunteers and do this to recover the bodies, not to get paid. I worry that as people die attempting the climb, that the mountain will be littered with dead bodies, thus detracting from the beauty of the mountain. I certainly would LIKE for the bodies to be recovered, just like I would prefer not to encounter a dead body underwater, but that doesn't mean I would support forcing someone to risk their lives to do it. If a climber considers the effort possible and the risk manageable enough to attempt a recovery, more power to him, but I would never shame, insult, or even cajole another climber to attempt such a recovery.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks for watching and thank you for the excellent comment....underwater cave diving is one thing that I could not ever imagine having the temerity to undertake. Those people have an incredible sense of adventure that I certainly have never found the spark for. I appreciate your insight and agree on all counts.....the expense of retrieving the bodies you ask: in this case, the government of India, a huge profit for the company doing the recovery, as they were already going there and it didn't really cost them a thing.

[@paddy1952]

Not one person who died on Everest was there involuntarily. If you choose to engage in a recreational activity that's potentially lethal, then you should make arrangements for the recovery of your body, including the funding thereof.

[@vanmonkeyboy]

It’s so expensive and treacherous to ask people, at the risk of their lives, to try to bring someone down 😢 I’d have to say no to recovery