They Knew It All Along: New Evidence Supports Irvine’s 'Removal' from Everest in 1975

[@EverestMystery]

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for more awesome stories from Everest Mystery and also be sure to click the bell icon so you'll be notified next time we release a video or go live.

[@shannonleary2399]

I'm sorry but I'm going to need a LOT more Simba cameos

[@mzdkkeller]

Ugh. That continual grooming isn't something I enjoy.

[@repeat_defender]

same!

[@Donkeynoob7777]

Why? It's a house cat. Please elaborate

[@LisaRSArt]

😅same

[@cbachinger]

He's a strict house cat, that lives in his own world ❤

[@stephenyoud6125]

My dad died last year at 93 years old and was born in 1929, so he lived his entire life without knowing about Irvine, but did know about the discovery of Mallory in 1999. He would have liked to know about this.

[@reality-cheque]

I don’t understand why the Chinese should be concerned whether or not Mallory/Irvine summited. Unless they are claiming a Chinese climber summited before Hillary/Tensing- which I have never heard of. Whether Mallory or Hillary were the first would make no difference to the Chinese, at all. In fact, disclosing the discovery of Irvine’s body and the photo would add prestige and kudos to China, so keeping this secret makes no sense.

[@paulak7963]

Totally agree with you.

[@thelogicaldanger]

Hillary was the first person to climb the south side. 2 Chinese guys are credited with being the first to climb the north side (although there are questions if they actually did.) If it turned out Mallory was the first person to climb the North side, then China would lose that distinction. In 1975, they were out to prove they could be a modern country, and doing everything they could to distinguish themselves as such. That is why they would hide the body of Mallory, so they could keep their record of being the first to climb the north side.

[@ThatOneInTenThousand]

@@thelogicaldanger Thank you for your explanation. I've been watching these videos for a while now and I spent my whole time thinking 'What's the benefit to hiding the body?'.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@thelogicaldanger The Chinese hid the body of Mallory? The creator of this channel is one of the people who found Mallory's body in 1999 frozen in the position he was in when he fell in 1924. So no, the Chinese never touched Mallory's body.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Fascinating saga!

[@ursuladirnberger]

This has been an interesting year. I'm glad that I've found this channel where I get more information about climbing Mount Everest and other stories about mountaineering. Sandy Irvine's boot has been discovered and even more speculation and mystery have come up that I've never heard before. It's absolutely fascinating and I'm sure that new great stories on this channel will captivate me again next year. I appreciate your efforts to always provide us with good content. This channel is worth supporting. Merry Christmas and a happy and successful new year to you and your family. May the next year will be full of joy, happiness and health. Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

[@EverestMystery]

I cannot thank you enough for your amazing support. I appreciate your presence in this community of like-minded individuals.

[@marvellegends_uk]

Don't think I've ever clicked on a video alert so fast 😊😊

[@TheStinkysteve]

You’re not joking!! Me too

[@tracycameron5099]

Me too! He is so good

[@No1.OriginalTrilogyStarWarsFan]

Same here

[@drzecelectric4302]

Same!

[@theothermorgan]

@@marvellegends_uk I came here to say that!

[@dukecraig2402]

Alright Thom!!! Great video, Jamie and Holzel along with yourself, 3 of the greats when it comes to Everest and the Mallory and Irvine mystery, can't go wrong watching a video like that. Also, it should be mentioned for the sake of the viewers that without Holzel there would be no modern interest in the mystery of Mallory and Irvine as I'm sure you know, them and the mystery surrounding them was largely forgotten until Holzel wrote the 1969 article published by the New York Times about them and the mystery of their fate, that sparked an interest that over the years has snowballed and led to all these books having been written, KZbin channels, National Geographic and BBC specials that led to Mallory's and Irvine's remains ultimately being found, without the spark created by him none of it would exist most likely, one could say he's the father of the Mallory and Irvine mystery, I'm glad he's still around to see the discovery of Irvine's remains, he deserves it.

[@brendanoneill1466]

A) Simba is adorable B) I think Sandy was removed in 75, but no real evidence beyond what you have shared. C) Thank you so much for sharing all of this. So fascinating.

[@EverestMystery]

A) Simba is the man, and he loves cameos! B) Ditto C) You are absolutely welcome, and thank YOU

[@markvanderstelt8999]

D/ i think Big Foot could be Involved find him find the Camera.

[@DulceN]

@@markvanderstelt8999It would be its cousin, the Abominable Snowman, a.k.a. Yeti. ;D

[@chriscunningham5150]

My question is why would they disturb him? And why the secrecy? Leads me to believe they discovered evidence Mallory and Irvine summited and were coming back down. Whatever the reason it seems very deceitful to move a resting person that died doing what they love. And destroying their remains in leu of letting their respective countries know and retrieve them. The whole thing is good to know but stinks to think about.

[@czarcastic1458]

Mallory wrote his wife twice claiming we have a 1 in 50 chance of making it to the top and we are exhausted and don't have the equipment and knowledge to make it to the top but will give it a go. All tangible evidence is E of the first step. 3 other people at camp 5 had eyes on the mountain and never saw anything. Good chance they never even made it to the first step and had the accident.

[@camojoe83]

That's probably the laziest and most uninformed take on M&I's attempt I've ever seen.

[@camojoe83]

They definitely made it. The watch was crushed at 1 o'clock something, and his Mallory had his sun goggles in his pocket. They fell in the dark. Getting back down the citadel probably ate up the time and doomed them.

[@czarcastic1458]

@@camojoe83 Nonsense. Zero proof they got past the first step. A broken watch means nothing.

[@camojoe83]

@@czarcastic1458 except it'll tell you what time it was smashed & stopped. Broken watches are right twice a day, after all. You're going to tell me there was a storm that day as well I bet.

[@MegaMesozoic]

Many thanks for this update! Can't help feeling that if the Chinese managed to develop that film and it proved that Mallory and Irvine summitted, they would have good reason to say they couldn't develop it! Love Simba, he's one gorgeous cat!

[@DK-gy7ll]

Nothing can interfere with the official Chinese narrative that they were the first ones to reach the top from "their" side of the mountain. It wouldn't even surprise me if they don't bother to teach their kids that Hillary and Norgay ever existed.

[@dukecraig2402]

They didn't make it, no one wishes they would have more than me but by the same token I won't let wishful thinking override facts like everyone else does. The weather records from that day show they were in a storm every bit as bad as the 96 storm that killed 2 experienced guides and how many others, and Mallory and Irvine didn't even have modern equipment and clothing, Thom here got a good look at Mallory's remains, including looking at his face from up close, and he's said Mallory had no frostbite on him at all save for the tips of some of his fingers, as soon as you dis frostbite will no longer form, knowing that and the fact that Mallory's fingertips are still clawed into the side of the mountain indicates he was still alive when he stopped sliding, but was in no condition to move, all that adds up to his having stopped his slide but laid there unable to move for around 20 minutes before passing, which would account for the frostbitten fingertips, the total lack of frostbite anywhere else indicates that as soon as the storm hit them they turned back for their camp and in the storm had their accident, the time of day, their location, the location of one of their oxygen bottles, the location of the ice ax found in 33, the lack of frostbite on Mallory's body all adds up to that, there's not one shred of evidence suggesting anything else especially none suggesting they got anywhere even close to the summit, all the theories about how they could have made it over the 2nd step, alternate routes around the 2nd step, zig zag routes and everything are all what ifs based on wishful thinking. I don't know why people have to believe they made the summit, to have gone as far up that mountain in 1924 with the kind of clothing and equipment they had makes them 100% rock star in my book.

[@tadghsmith1457]

Bloody Chinese...

[@paulak7963]

Why would the chinese care who summited it first?

[@Ozgur72]

@@MegaMesozoic why? What chinese gain from that?

[@MizQue]

" Old English dead" was found by the Chinese in 1975. In 1999, you guys found George Mallory near the remnants of the 1975 Chinese camp. They didn't roll George off the mountain, so why would they dispose of Sandy?

[@Boababa-fn3mr]

Maybe they didn't find Mallory

[@kcbarbo78]

They didn’t.

[@wrobinson1702]

@@kcbarbo78 That makes sense. There had been 1-2 Chinese sightings of a body in that area, but not 2 bodies. Therefore, the body they found and "disposed of" in 1975 could very well have been Sandy Irvine. And that implies that George Mallory's body was not found until the PBS/BBC expedition of 1999, as was witnessed by the EverestMystery videographer. The perhaps more intriguing question was whether Sandy Irvine had the infamous camera on him when he died, and did the Chinese find it (and take it away) in 1975. Their motive for taking the camera (and dumping the body) might have been that they wanted no evidence to be found of yet another Westerner having summited Everest before any Chinese did.

[@dukecraig2402]

Someone had seen Mallory's remains before Thom and those guy's found him, but the exact location would have spun off into the universe because the guy who saw him was by himself, it was either a Chinese or Japanese climber, I can't remember which, who wasn't on his expeditions summit team and was hanging out by himself at their upper camp waiting on the return of the summit team who were making a bid that day, and the conditions were basically the same as when Conrad and those guys found him, it was a nice day and had been a year with very little snowfall on the mountain, along with temps that'd melted most snow up there exposing alot of the mountain surface, the conditions were nice that day and he was bored so he decided to take advantage of the weather take a stroll and stumbled across Mallory's remains, his description of Mallory's remains jives with what you see in the pictures and video from when Conrad found him in regards to his posture, and like the Chinese who'd seen Irvine's remains described Mallory as "English dead", then after the summit team returned either because they wanted to get down the mountain or because weather had moved in, or a combination of both, no one had any interest in him taking them over to the remains he'd seen, so the exact location spun off into the universe. So when the Chinese did one of their "mountain clean ups" they not only wouldn't have known the exact location of Mallory's body it's also likely that wouldn't matter anyway because they weren't years when his body would have been exposed, like most years it'd have been under snow, had the guy who stumbled across him and Conrad's team later in 99 not had the rare conditions that made it possible to see him they'd have never been able to find him, in both cases it was luck that it was one of those rare years when it's even possible to see his body even if someone knew exactly where it's at. Famous bodies that are used as reference points by climbers such as Green Boots are in places where they don't get covered with snow, in the case of Green Boots that's because he was up under a rock overhang, other bodies are exposed quit a bit of the time because they're at places that are always wind swept where snow won't pile up.

[@gt40f]

If you watch enough videos of the Chinese and how they act you wouldn't put this past them for a New York minute

[@Peloso15]

Love it, been waiting for an update. Thank you!

[@agathacccc2710]

I just finished reading The Mystery of Mallory and Irvine. What a great surprise to see one of its authors on the channel!

[@EverestMystery]

Tom is a long time friend and colleague, and is always happy to lend his thoughts. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

Thank you for this gem of an update. Personally, I believe the Chinese did retrieve Irvine's body, took the camera, and tried to develop the film. Then they dropped the case - so to speak - and kept things quiet forever. I think it is a blessing that the boot was able to be retrieved by your team. I cannot believe that Mallory or Irvine made it to the summit. At least the family has some sort of closure. By the way, Simba is looking quite the handsome gentleman there on the set!! Thank you for the upload. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a healthy and blessed New Year!! Stay safe and happy.

[@graysonrhoades6437]

Just recently discovered your channel a few months back and I’ve got to say you are one heck of a story teller / entertainer. This channel has sparked an interest in me that I never have experienced before. The lore and mystery of all that has happened on Everest is incredibly fascinating to me. I just wanted to stop by and wish you Happy Holidays! Thanks for continuing to shed light on this subject! Growing up at sea level (gulf coast area) nobody even speaks about mountaineering or climbing, your channel has provided a level of insight and experience that I would not be able to digest anywhere else!

[@mikesomerset6338]

What we really need here is a separate channel specifically devoted to videos of Simba.

[@EverestMystery]

I think you have just stumbled upon my means of making a living. This Everest stuff is pretty heavy, and Simba is a beacon of light and love! Duly recorded! Thank you!

[@mbmochinski]

😂😂😂 Simba !!!!!

[@Donkeynoob7777]

Why? It's a house cat. Please elaborate

[@SlickArmor]

@@Donkeynoob7777 calling Simba a house cat is like calling Morris just a product spokesperson.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@Donkeynoob7777 Found the dog.

[@cattymajiv]

The most common topic for comments here? Simba the cat! What a gorgeous boy! Lots of love to him. Great video too! ❤

[@EverestMystery]

Simba's ears are ringing off the hook! He is a great companion and has a wonderful and fun personality : )

[@tonymeads4693]

Your channel is fantastic ! As someone who has been fascinated by the mystery of Mallory and Irvine for years I admire the way that you show the greatest of respect for those brave men. If the Chinese did find Sandy Irvine and did throw his body over the mountain that was incredibly disrespectful. Also if they found the camera and messed up the processing that is a tragedy in itself as it removes from us any hope of learning if they did make the summit and if they did then this takes away the credit that they deserve. Thank you once again for an excellent video.

[@JasonDorris-ip6qp]

Suicide...not bravery

[@jayphive2468]

Thanks for the update! I remember seeing that NG documentary recently, and have been interested in this subject for quite some time now.

[@katherinechatham9032]

I feel certain they threw the body down. I question the story about the camera having film that could not be developed. China has always been competitive and if that film proved they in fact did summit, they could have ruined the film to hide the truth. It’s sad to know they were that disrespectful to human remains.

[@Bl913]

China doesn't seem to care about respecting remains. All those bodies sliced thinly that they put on display are unclaimed Chinese dead. I've even heard that they harvest organs from prisoners while they're still alive.

[@mikefougere]

good point on the film. respect? pffff its a recognizable pattern

[@williammorris4419]

There is absolutely no evidence that they were "disrespectful" .. "to know they were that disrespectful" what are you talking about? There have been numerous bodies on the other side of Everest that have been pushed down from their final resting place to keep the heavily trafficked route free from bodies obstructing the climb. As far as the film goes, it would have been extremely fragile and no one knows if it is even possible with present technology to salvage any images if any were taken.. Consider the Chinese found this a number of years ago and the probability of salvaging any images is even more unlikely.

[@marga5117]

Each time I see a new video from you is great! Thanks for the nice gift and Merry Christmas to you, Simba and all, and best wishes for a soon 100k!

[@swimcat2333]

Ooooh, I like that cat. You talk he preens himself ❤. Interesting video too

[@sisterpamop]

The story of Sandy Irving intrigues me. The mystery continues on from the original climb until today, which makes this a story of suspense filled with puzzles of incongruous details. DNA will clear part of the mystery but not lead to any definitive conclusions. I'm pleased that his memory and history aren't forgotten. Have a Christmas of joy and peace.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much :) I'm grateful for your support and insight

[@WellyCoaster]

Another fascinating and complicating part of the mystery. Wishing you and Simba a very Merry Christmas!🎄🎉

[@EverestMystery]

Indeed, Simba had a great day, cat napping under the coffee table, while his mom and I had a walk in the snowy mountains. Merry Christmas!

[@katebarker-ld5hi]

So glad I found this channel. I've been interested in the mystery of Mallory and Irvine for many years. I've believed for a long time that they did summit and the Chinese destroyed the evidence because they wanted to claim to be the first to climb Everest from the Chinese side. The late poet and author Robert Graves was a close friend and climbing buddy of Mallory 's and he always maintained they got to the top. However, at this point in time we have no concrete evidence either way.

[@davidgreenwood6029]

We've got pretty good evidence that the chinese tried to erase evidence. They seem to have the camera, and seem to have intentionally exposed the negatives. Or lost them. But, I doubt it was an accident. That isn't proof but its the strongest conjecture and circumstantial evidence ever gets. If they had the camera that is.

[@bayman49]

What a wonderful youtube channel you have! Thought provoking, kind hearted and very informative. Really, really enjoyable. Signed..Your neighbor, Mike from Maine

[@10splitter]

The found boot contained a foot. Remarkable how well preserved human remains are in the Death Zone.

[@BillSikes.]

It wasn't found in the "Death Zone" the remains had rolled all the way down to the bottom

[@Sanakudou]

@@10splitter it’s quite common for human feet to be well preserved compared to the rest of the body due to the protection of shoes, there’s actually many cases where the only identifiable remains of people who have been dead for decades are their feet still within their shoes. This is often the case no matter the location/climate, it’s even true for bodies submerged in water. I remember an old news story about a beach where several shoes with feet inside of them washed ashore and the locals initially were terrified as they assumed these feet were deliberately cut off, but in actuality the feet had detached from the bodies postmortem as a natural consequence of decomposition, the shoes had preserved the feet far longer than the rest of the body so they were all that remained.

[@davidgreenwood6029]

@@Sanakudou Its not several, its dozens of feet wash up on the PNW coast. I think they still are.

[@04nbod]

Its really suspicious that the Chinese seem to specifically don't want people looking. As you say, he will turn up eventually.

[@93emmie]

Hi from the UK I'm a new subscriber. I'm from Liverpool in the UK been a new subscriber for a couple of weeks. I'm not a climber as I'm disabled but love anything to do with climbing. I love your videos but most of all I love your cat he's gorgeous wow what a beautiful cat. X

[@davem8836]

I don't know what really happened either Thom but one thing I give you credit for is this; You don't talk to us like you're the only one who knows what happened, all other KZbinrs on the subject are fools, and you don't talk to us like we're all a bunch of idiots like someone else I know.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much. One thing I absolutely DO know is that I don't know any more than anyone else. This is a beautiful and fabulous mystery that should bring people closer together, even if there are disagreements.

[@Bearwithme560]

Sadly, l agree with you. When even the spelling of Thom's name is mocked, l feel there's a mean streak that comes from - where?

[@edkiely2712]

Well gee Dave! Do you think you hv the courage to name him and support your claim, rather than hide behind an implied generalization and cheap innuendo?

[@d.optional3381]

@@edkiely2712 what's it to you?

[@vadenk4433]

I got no problem naming his majesty......Michael Tracy. He's obsessed with rocks and Thom in a creepy way

[@b.w.22]

For the longest time all of this was merely speculation. But where Jimmy and his team found that boot really adds weight to some of the conjecture about his body being “moved,” let’s say. What was once nearly slander has become, quite suddenly, easy to believe. While I understand that geopolitics play a large role in this mystery and that teams from other nations (cough cough) can be subject to forces beyond their control, I genuinely don’t understand how any mountaineer could countenance trying to erase the accomplishments of those who may have come before them. Of course “first ascents” matter, but it seems to me that the vast bulk of the doing of mountaineering involves an effort to achieve the personal goals of a team of individuals. I mean, does anyone believe that someone successfully summiting Gasherbrum for the first time would have his or her joy turn to dust when recalling that others had too? If Mallory and Irvine had succeeded but perished on the descent, *that’s not exactly a success* though it is proof that it is not impossible. To try to hide whatever might be the truth is so bizarre to me, nearly cheating. And if you’re willing to cheat to “win” at mountaineering, well, then you might as well drop some dude off from a chopper most of the way up and skip all the pain. Because now it’s pain for no reason - doubt will forever follow that Chinese team and maybe because they DID take gear and throw those men down the Rongbuk. Such a dishonorable way to win something that doesn’t mean a great deal if ethics and sportsmanship are subsumed to some dumb political party’s endless quest to be … something.

[@LD-qj2te]

Why is there any doubt that it is his boot ? It has his name in it ?? Do we think that someone stole his boot and hiked up there and abandoned it ??

[@EverestMystery]

There’s very little doubt. But, the DNA from a scientific standpoint, would bring absolute truth to it.

[@camojoe83]

It's just a stalling tactic.

[@katherinechatham9032]

Exactly my thought.

[@BrotherTris]

Is it not possible that he might have lent his spare socks to someone else who needed them?

[@camojoe83]

@BrotherTris no. It's not. Who would you suggest that could be?

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

Whether or not it is confirmed as Irving’s boot, the biggest question if they made it to the top first will remain unanswered.

[@10splitter]

But then a "successful summit" is typically considered to include a live return back to the bottom.

[@davem8836]

I agree but if all mysteries were solved, there'd be noting to talk about.

[@FrankPagan-d9k]

It will always be unanswered I believe. I think the film in the camera was destroyed by the Chinese and there just isn't anything else that could point to them making it. I believe they got close but turned around because of bad weather and on the way back one slipped on the yellow band route and they fell with mallory getting slung out and slid down violently when the rope snapped and Irvine remained further up but survived the accident and as it was a storm and dark by then he just laid there and never got back up and froze to death.

[@fabioresende3442]

@@10splitter but that's not the mistery or questioned, we've know for 100 years that they didn't complete the 'sucessfull summit '

[@MegaMesozoic]

@@fabioresende3442 Nobody has known whether they made a successful summit - except perhaps the Chinese!

[@ThomasGeisler-gv5ld]

Hi, Simba!! Glad you are inside. Temperature this morning was -1°

[@relaxingnature2617]

first day of -1 haha ....It's been colder than that for 2 months already here in British Columbia

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@relaxingnature2617 And it was -17 this morning in my corner of Ontario!

[@tundranomad]

That is 1 CLEAN cat!

[@petert3355]

@@tundranomad If a job is worth doing......

[@joejones8776]

I have been looking forward to Everest Mystery doing an update on this story! Just imagine the courage and guts it took for them to make that attempt wearing less than what I do in North Carolina winters.

[@Outofthisworldengraving]

I’ve often thought, does it matter if Sandy and George were the first to the top? Why does it matter so much to the Chinese? Why all the politics and silence? It’s a mountain for christs sakes! Why all the anonymity with information? IMHO when they found the camera and tried to develop it (which I think they did) and didn’t want to say anything about it, proves in my mind that they made it to the top and the Chinese know it. Because if they had not, they Chinese would have immediately came out and said they had all the proof they didn’t.

[@DK-gy7ll]

It matters to the Chinese because they are busy reshaping the historical narrative of their country to make the communists look good. Telling their people that they were the first to reach the top of Everest is their version of saying they reached the Moon. By the way, they have already changed their history books to say that the USA attacked North Korea in 1950, starting the war, and they intervened to protect and defend the poor North Koreans.

[@johngerson7335]

@@Outofthisworldengraving Agreed. The Chinese developed the film, and know that Mallory & Irvine summited before whatever fate befell them on the way down occurred. If the film proved otherwise, they'd be waving the results like a flag.

[@54Rocketeer]

Tenzing & Hilary 😂

[@thelogicaldanger]

It matters to them because 2 Chinese are credited with being the first to summit via the North Side. They lose that claim to fame if it turns out Mallory/Irving were the first to summit via the north side.

[@EmSpacebird]

Simba! ❤️

[@thorisrain]

11:11 Lol, Simba is not interested, but gosh what a beauty! :D Don't worry, our grey and white shorthair, Sooty, slept through the whole thing too! :D There's no way a cat would go up Everest anyway, it's too wet and cold and windy, cats don't got no time for that lol. That said, the north face of the Eiger does have that cat flap thing, but I bet even then they'd still come scratching on the bedroom window in the middle of the night to get back in rather than using the damn flap, lol :D

[@wyomingadventures]

Thanks for the update. It's an interesting topic. I'm fascinated by Irvine and Mallory's climb. I do think the Chinese moved Irvine. Really think it would be impossible to find Irvine's body in that glacier. Finding his boot was pure luck. The right place at the right time situation.

[@DK-gy7ll]

We're not going to find the rest of Sandy Irvine because you can be pretty much assured the Chinese are already up there getting rid of the evidence. They're not going to let any westerners into the Central Rongbuk Glacier until it's been completely sanitized.

[@EverestMystery]

I think you're right about the right time and the right place. But, now that there are general coordinates, it will be easier for anyone given permission in the (not near) future.

[@ajaydandekar1069]

Hi Thom as again excellent update and a reminder of one section of opinion about why Irvine's remains are where they are. As I said earlier, the moot points are where was Irvine sighted in 1960 and 1975, and then what did the Chinese do? If we accept that Chinese climbers saw Mallory and Irvine both then why only disturb Irvine? Is it not plausible that only Xu sighted Irvine some where above Mallory as he descended and took a more direct route. And after that sighting the Chinese perhaps did not find Irvine? Against this are of course the conclusions reached by Mr Synott and Mr McGuinness that the Chinese did find Irvine...impasse.. Do you think the National Geographic will reveal more? Have they found anything else? It is so fascinating and heartbreaking. At least there is a closure the Irvine.. Finally it is also now Irvine's mountain as is Mallory's. ajay

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks Ajay, your insights are much appreciated, you have a view into this that always changes and impacts my thoughts on the entire mystery. For that, i"m thankful. I would imagine that Nat Geo won't really release anything new until the film comes out. My gut tells me there is really nothing more than just the boot, and of course the DNA testing. Other than that, the not-knowing anything more (on their part) is better as a marketing tool (which I understand) to keep people wondering right up to the time the film is released. All that said, time will only tell as to whether the GPS coordinates of the boot are ever shared with someone studying the nuances of when and how Sandy got to the bottom of the north face. Cheers my friend!

[@theothermorgan]

Love your videos, just found your channel a few months ago.

[@EverestMystery]

I'm really happy that you found the channel and that you are enjoying it!

[@HW-Plays-EST23]

same clicked so fast on this video!

[@Gwe686]

I can’t believe that anyone would chuck a body over a cliff to hide the fact that someone beat them to the top of a mountain. If this is true it takes disgusting to a new level.

[@billbright1755]

Sandy’s foot being down in the glacier is very compelling evidence that at some point in time his body was indeed tossed down from his original resting place and by gravity and the slope of the mountain he ended up thousands of feet tumbling off the ridge.

[@Trish.Norman]

Exactly! Well said. My thoughts as well.

[@kensilverstone1656]

I think the thrust of your thesis, and the experts you talked with, is that the Chinese lied about finding Irvine's body and throwing it down the North Face, but you believe the Chinese with untested climbers did climb the north side of Everest in 1960 in the dark without oxygen and an incredibly long stay in the death zone. Also you believe that Mallory, with an inexperienced partner in Irvine, decided to try a route never attempted before rather than follow the traverse days earlier by Norton and Sumervall, which ended with Norton within 800 or so feet of the summit. I'm skeptical.

[@jenjen.rutherford8559]

What motive would the Chinese have to hide anything regarding this matter. The Chinese are generally very respectful of the dead ,possibly more than of the living ! The people on that mountain are likely to be imbued with a level of devotion / obsession with the mountain and mountaineers. Why would they cover up such an interesting discovery .

[@thelogicaldanger]

@@jenjen.rutherford8559 The motive for the Chinese to hide Mallory's body is that it's currently 2 Chinese who are credited with being the first to summit via the North Side. If Mallory/Irving had in fact summited, then the Chinese would lose that claim to fame.

[@pegspun]

Another wonderful and informative video, Thom! Thank you so much for all you do!!🤍

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much for watching, I truly appreciate it. Thank you for your support :)

[@winkieblink7625]

Just because the Chinese climbers said they took Irvine’s body & camera or thrown Irvine’s body off the mountain “during Mao’s leadership time”, does NOT GIVE those statements any credibility. I feel, like most, those are Irvine’s bones in his boot, and I still hope his body will be discovered. The conversations you bring to us are so interesting. Thank you from all us couch readers! And, Merry Christmas!

[@mikefougere]

Its a pattern of behaviour which is consistent with their maoistic upbringing. eliminate to take credit.

[@joejones8776]

@14:57 Would someone please take the time to explain the science behind this quote? How can it be determined someone did not pass away due to a fall by observing post mortem “blackening” of the face?

[@cornwallmansiom3831]

@joejones8776 I'm not an expert and speaking from limited knowledge but I believe had he died instantly the blood would have stopped circulating and travelled to the lowest point (while still warm) however, the blackening indicates there was still circulation up until extreme frost bite aka blackening had set in and then he perished at some point after. Could he have had the blackening and then fallen from exhaustion and cold? Possibly, I'm just spitballing

[@alexk2652]

Blackening means frostbite which means a slow death ie lay down and fall asleep. No frostbite means a sudden death ie fall.

[@Sweetlyfe]

Hey you ended up in my recommended. I’m no climber as my knees shake on a ladder 😂. But I love history and I also love your energy that you put out into the world. So even though it’s summer for me in the southern hemisphere, and Xmas in 6hrs because I’m from the future. It’s ok the planet makes it through another day. Thanks for the interesting videos, I have subbed. Merry Christmas to you and your loved one’s, going to be 40c for me a little too hot for a roast, so it’s a BBQ instead., but no flame outside as it’s a total fire ban as we are already being hammered by fires. Give Simba a scratch under his chin and behind his ears for me .

[@reginaldlarsen274]

Very informative and thought-provoking. Thank you for a lot of unseen or heard of info for a neophyte, one who thinks in his heart that they made "The Bugger" on their fatal attempt.

[@cadeju]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate the Simba name tag in the beginning of the video hahahah

[@tsjackson72]

Fascinating upload! The boys and I really enjoyed it along with the interviews and the Robert Edwards book suggestion. It was also a nice teaching opportunity since my youngest asked what the mountain might do to a body. It's been many years since I've taken a physics class, but I tried to explain the awesome forces at play, and I was surprised the boot was in as good shape as it was in. I'm not sure if I believe they managed to destroy the film. How clumsy of them if that's true! Anyway, we got a kick out of Simba, as well as the topic. Merry Christmas!

[@MFLimited]

Thank you for the video. Out of curiosity, what are our reasons for disbelieving the Chinese in the first place?

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. I agree that Mr. Irvine's body is probably not on the mountain. I wonder whether he dropped the camera up there and it might be found.

[@kmissy5664]

A very interesting video. Was Irvine then the body with 'antique' clothes that the Chinese came across?

[@ftapon]

I'm glad you mentioned Edwards's excellent book. I interviewed him several times and found his rational, mathematical mind refreshing.

[@FrgvDntFrgt8060]

12:08

[@FrgvDntFrgt8060]

12:08

[@shure81]

It's tremendously obvious that the body was found by the Chinese expedition, and the camera. They didn't botch the film at all, they destroyed it on purpose.

[@Trish.Norman]

🎄Merry Christmas Thom! Wishing you health, love and prosperity🎄

[@EverestMystery]

To you as well, Trish, thank you so much for being a part of this community :)

[@Rusmiester]

I think Simba knows as much as anyone about what happened to Sandy. The rest of Sandy's remains may be up there or the chinese may have removed what they found. It wont take too long before someone maps the boot location and that of the bottle and presumed fall point which might lead to more

[@madalynnmccarron4590]

For some reason I've been on a bit of a kick learning about everest. I love your cat, I hope you both have merry holidays

[@craighall3820]

What instrument does that instrument holder in the background hold? Are you a guitarist?

[@safevoyage]

Hi Tom, What is China’s good reason in not sharing the photos? If there were any… Mark’s book The Third Pole (hardcover) was fascinating but didn’t read the softcover update. I enjoy your channel. Tx! Sandy

[@SamBroadway]

Simba ... I love to watch channels that allow their kitties in the background

[@pioneercynthia1]

Aren't the bodies on Everest a type of _memento mori_ for others who happen upon them? Should we perhaps view them similarly to those who are lost at sea? (My daughter is always, "How did you get so interested in this kind of thing?")

[@scottywhittaker287]

First off, beautiful Jazzmaster in the background. I think there is enough plausible evidence to support the claim that Sandy Irvine's body was removed from the top. However, I feel like we may never know for sure. Just like no one will ever really know if Mallory or Irvine reached the summit or not.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen516]

Merry Christmas to all!

[@davidjarkeld2333]

2:21 Will be submitting DNA? The BBC reported 2 months ago on 11th October that samples have already been given

[@EverestMystery]

The DNA from the boot was submitted, yes. The Irvine family had not lifted a finger to submit their DNA.

[@davidjarkeld2333]

It's pointless to give just one sample, it needs something to compare it to.

[@EverestMystery]

@ two family members are submitting their DNA to be matched with that found in the boot. It is taking place in China.

[@04nbod]

@@EverestMystery Why China? Why is his foot being repatriated? They can't just hold on to his foot forever.

[@dukecraig2402]

​@@04nbod No they won't hold onto it forever, verifying it's Irvine through the test is what they need to repatriot it, they don't want to give his family remains that turned out not to be him.

[@TigerLilyBlossom1]

Am I the only person who gets sad at the use of Irvine getting tossed down the mountain? 😢

[@getoffenit7827]

In my opinion,The Chinese did find Irvine and did move his remains far away from the summit in order to eliminate any ideas that Irvine and Mallory did summit. As for Irvine having a camera,I know theres plenty of squabbling and bickering between people about whether or not Irvine had one and what any photos (assuming they could have been developed) would show. I dont doubt Irvine had one on him and did take photos. And i am on the fence about any film being ruined and show nothing in a photo

[@KRISTINJOINER-u5f]

If the body was removed in 1975, then who was seen in 1995?

[@ShakeelAhmed-pr7gn]

Seems the camera revealed something. The Chinese wont disclose.

[@mariabengtssonviking]

As a Simpleton, im fascinated by the sherpas who are going up and down, building camps and arranging everything that the privileged white boy clubs wants and needs to take pictures and write books about themselves or others who have been guided up the mountain to different "recycling bins" along the way. This doesn't mean, or take away that everyone has made a big personal journey to achieve their goals!!

[@9090Glenn]

OK they wanted to remove the body from the mountain from 8200M - so they pushed it off - apparently - but how do they know that would result in the body being off the mountain - it would more likely simply fall until it contacted or became lodged in rock-ice formations further down - Mallory was found at 8159M - the rope tied around Mallory was CUT suggesting BOTH he and Irvine were tied and fell together - the rope being cut on rocks during the fall - rope in that day was hemp or linen - sources differ - but apparently it was not comparably strong to todays ropes - re: could not sustain the weight of two climbers falling - Mallory had rope-jerk marks on his torso - so Mallory was possibly not that far from where Irvine landed - that is conjecture but 8200M and 8159M are ONLY 41M apart - so IF they found Irvine it seems reasonable Mallory would also be in sight - yet he was left in situ - why toss Irvine and NOT Mallory - the narrative of tossing Irvine simply seems odd - his body would still pollute the mountain unless they could be assured it would make it all the way down - they could not - so why risk scattering it ? - they found the camera? - sure OK - WHY would they hide the fact ? - what did they have to gain ? - it seems all a bit too fantastical - sure comments were made - but that may have just been opportunism on their part - knowing the interest - there were OTHER bodies up there from the 1922 expedition (7) Sherpas died - MOST likely Irvine landed near Mallory but his body was less secure or exposed and eventually became dislodged and tumbled down the mountain - the state of the foot-boot shows high impact tearing of bone and muscle - avalanche is also possible - that implies Irvine body is scattered in the Rongbuk Glacier still to this day - the camera was NEVER found by the Chinese - myths and legends can become reality if enough interest lies around the topic - hiding evidence to claim the Chinese climbed the North Face first is a stretch ...

[@puppy2haley]

Very interesting!! Anxious to hear the DNA results to see if it really is Irvine. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@ankles632]

I dont understand the supposed motive given for the Chinese to move the body. What did they hope to achieve or what did they want to hide? Suppose they did find the camera and it did prove Mallory and Irvine did summit, how does this effect China? Might make a few Kiwi's unhappy but who was first has no bearing to China.

[@OKuusava]

Interesting that there is an idea that youll find something on glacier, as we still know what they are like, Khumby you have to make plenty bridges and I'd like to see someone lifting down on every abyss to check if there is a body down...

[@clemfandango2930]

This information is genuinely infuriating but not surprising. Being shocked that the same people who show no care for our natural world or resources and dump the most plastic and toxic sludge into our oceans while overfishing them would disregard important history like this is the least shocking thing I’ve ever heard.

[@Mark-Book]

In Tom's book he says skeptics of them summiting say the Second Step was beyond the capability of Mallory and Irvine? Mallory was a gifted climber. Could I get your opinion please or a link to a discussion about this if you have the time?. I have never been there?

[@Shoshun2]

Whether or not they made it to the top it is hardly successful if you die up there.

[@mikeodil7721]

Regardless, they’d still be first. Just because climbers and those that support the idea that dying on the way down isn’t complete, it’s irrelevant. Had Armstrong & Aldrin died on the Moon, would that mean they weren’t first to step foot on the moon? Nope. So, if Mallory & Irvine were up there first, then that claim should stand for all time with them - if anything, first from the north side.

[@jockdoc07]

Usual nice but the cat is driving me nuts! Keep up the great work.

[@lordcornwallis2]

great video

[@janetbressette631]

I just ordered Marks book! Can’t wait to dive into it!

[@tardiscommand1812]

Stopped watching Everest videos a year or so ago and I come back to Irvine possibly being found. That’s pretty cool.

[@billcook4768]

Sorry, could you repeat that? I was distracted by the cat and missed what you said. Thanks.

[@Russojap2]

Very interesting! Greetings from East Tennessee 🤠

[@Lkhrobertson]

@@Russojap2 🎄from Nashville. My father passed at 89 a few years ago…he loved this topic/mystery.

[@Russojap2]

@Lkhrobertson Merry Christmas from Knoxville! 🎄👋

[@TheAdeybob]

I suspect there's other parts of him deposited on ledges down from the proposed original sighting in 75.

[@Thankyou423.3]

Very interesting

[@thefanone]

I think they took his camera and left his body to save face. 😮

[@katherinechatham9032]

I am inclined to believe the same.

[@fergalohearga9594]

Thom, you are flying it!! So good to see.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you my friend, and for supporting the channel!

[@Phoenixhunter157]

Clicked on the video so fast I nearly sprained my finger 😂

[@alimccreery755]

Thank you so much for this information and update 👍🤗

[@repeat_defender]

I watched Simba the whole time, so fluffy and so cute. 😻

[@xLooNeyHD]

Merry Christmas sir!

[@ruidh]

So, where is this slot relative to where George Mallory was found? Did they fall together?

[@theswordguy5269]

Its above Mallory closer to the ridge, IIRC.

[@alphasportstv]

Very interesting stuff...thanks

[@BerniceMcKellar]

Most interesting. Thank you.

[@Robert-z2m3v]

If the Chinese did find Sandy Irvine, and from what you informed us, it sounds like they did. With the hiking boot find, it certainly supports that idea they disposed of his body down the mountain. Also, what else did the Chinese take from Irvine's body besides the camera. Someone from China needs to come clean with the how, what and why of this story. Rest in peace Sandy Irvine, wherever the rest of you of your physical remains are.

[@hanslaught2351]

Does it even matter when they didn't return to base camp or anywhere off Everest after (potentially) summiting? We should be heaping praise on smarter climbers who turned back at 8,000 or even 7,000 or 6,000 meters rather than dying up there. With all due respect, what would China lose by having some expedition make it to the top very early but then dying shortly afterwards? Very confusing in my opinion.

[@quietwaterz7550]

Hi Simba. Sending scritchies.