Mountaineer David Breashears On The Everest Hiker Deaths

Eleven people have died during this year’s Everest climbing season so far, with many blaming the deaths on overcrowding and long lines at the top of the mountain - where low oxygen levels wreak havoc on the human body. But so far, Nepal’s board of tourism says it has no plans to limit who can make the trek. But this isn’t the first time that crisis has broken out on the world’s tallest peak. Jim Braude was joined by mountaineer and filmmaker David Breashears, who was there in 1996 when a blizzard killed eight other hikers, and who suspended filming to assist in rescue efforts.

[@jaybird7534]

I wouldn't want to be in a situation where you cannot afford to save someone dying.

[@tomfisher9089]

Then don't be an idiot and go there. Simple

[@martinandrewnewby1525]

and most are too stupid to realise that they are paying for it lmao

[@Steven-jm6hx]

Excellent interview. I have a lot of respect and admiration for David. His knowledge and expertise are unmatched.

[@skoli55]

I climbed to my mailbox yesterday. It's about 100 feet away and 6 feet up. I made it to the top. Actually coming back was little easier. Had to take a nap afterwards.

[@Sharoneagles82]

Thank god you made it!!!

[@TarnaEcho]

🥳🥳

[@TheHua89]

👏

[@rzz9594]

Thanks for ur success 👍Bravo.

[@Lisargarza]

Hope you got some great pix!!!

[@lordmarshall5239]

A Sherpa is a guide, not a valet.

[@mariegrenier]

said Lord Marshal whose family used to have slaves.

[@lordmarshall5239]

@@mariegrenier my family never had slaves. Sherpas get paid, not enough but they don’t work for free. You don’t even know my race or background, please pull yourself together for the sake of humanity

[@davidrioux611]

A Sherpa is paid labor. Certainly not a guide. Certainly not a Slave. And their skills are being taught by climbers and guides, from across the world, who have and still are climbing in their country through history. Some sherpas have evolved gaining knowledge and skills and experience to become guides. Guides on whole there do not have the same experience or outlook as other areas in the world. Especially as in Europe and North America. GUIDE/ MRS

[@ShazBookOwl]

Totally agree with David, if you can't get yourself up the mountain, you have no place being there. You should not be risking other people's health & or lives, so you can 'tick' something off your bucket list. I truly believe there should be a process that you have to go through, BEFORE you can get a permit to climb Everest. E.g. prove your physical and mental fitness, beforehand - have climbed other mountains for example. It is not Disneyland... you are not waiting in line for a ride - it should go back to being a challenge that fit and healthy mountaineers aspire to achieve, not the 'every man'... I have no respect for the tourists or the expedition companies that don't respect the mountain.

[@BillSikes.]

This man is talking out of his arse No guided expedition would take a complete novice, anyone wanting to join an Everest expedition would need to prove they've climbed a certain number of 8000m peaks before they'd take them on.. I intend to climb it myself, but il go solo, il follow an expedition all the way to the top

[@limulus61]

I agree. I've been following the Everest climbing seasons since 1992 and getting to the top is only half the goal. You have to get back down and with the crowds, getting down seems to be where most accidents are happening. Nepal is a poor country and I think they get $11k for every permit There are also lots of trekking companies that don't have very strict standards as long as they get their payday. Even leaders from top American and New Zealand based companies have let their inexperienced clients get them killed.

[@BillSikes.]

@Dana Davison What you say doesn't negate anything I've said, like I previously mentioned, no expedition company would of taken her up there with no experience, instead she went with a few freelance Sherpas, I'm not surprised she succumbed to hypoxia and died,

[@jestersdead6995]

@@BillSikes. you are a simpleton.

[@70mjc]

limulus61 because down is a LOT more difficult. You can’t see as well where you’re next secure foothold is coupled with exhaustion from summiting

[@LightFairy_Munich]

I was a such a huge fan, so sorry to hear you are gone

[@scruffy2365]

F sake just put a chair lift on and charge people 60grand, put a starbucks on top

[@skobird2732]

A genius idea would be to fake a re-survey of the mountains and claim K2 is the new official highest in the world.... would cut the inexperienced climbers by over 75% probably.

[@skoli55]

Would I get a senior citizen discount?

[@mybonneval]

LOL!

[@HailStonE999]

Pictures of the dead bodies on Everest should be published widely.. It will deter atleast some Tourists

[@publikenemi49]

HailStonE , I’m sure the families of the deceased would just love that

[@laceyavron]

no, it won't. they'll just think it won't happen to them.

[@kyoakland]

@@laceyavron exactly

[@barrystevens2699]

Wrong. I guarantee every person attempting Everest have seen all the body photos on Google and on other sources.

[@martinandrewnewby1525]

seriously? ...since photos have been published and vids made and uploaded to youtube the number of people wanting to book (tours) expeditions have exploded, out of control, its now a ghouls adventure and corpse veiwing tour/expedition holiday, people pay $13,000 to chopper in , have a quick lunch and chopper out, people are even lying down taking selfies with them ect, so hailstone, sorry showing corpses and telling people about them will only accelerate the numbers,the world and humans are very sad indeed.

[@allthingswavy6420]

I agree so much with the idea that foundational to climbing is the requirement of self-reliance. Kudos David.

[@sallycarey7951]

Hi David, I met you while having dinner after skiing in Alta, Utah, about 10 years ago. I don't suppose you remember, but I am 5'5", very thin but athletic and have long dark hair. I was dining alone beside your table. You invited me to join your dinner party, and then invited me and my friend to your set where you were filming a scene of an actor's hand exposed with snow blowing over it for 'Into Thin Air'. I remember you had to time it so he didn't get frost bite and put his hand into something to warm it. You, the actors and your crew were so friendly and kind - you even let me wear your coat because mine was not warm enough for the 2 degree, windy night. You made a big impression on me as a mountaineer, filmmaker and as a person. I'm so glad to see you are still doing well, and I pray you have much continued happiness and success! Best Regards, Sally

[@VCthaGOATdunker]

@Golden Runway I've got something for her that she can climb. Catch my drift.

[@jamesl9371]

And no one should have a permit if they haven’t climbed several similar level mountains 🏔

[@betsybarnicle8016]

This is similar to the rule in scuba diving deep wrecks; you have to show several deep dives within the last year. And to dive caves you need a cave diving certification (because it's so dangerous). Perhaps mountain climbing should have certification levels. Scuba diving does. Piloting a plane does (licensing, like with instruments or without, etc.). Why not climbing?

[@70mjc]

James Lade it’s the highest..... There are no similar levels...

[@70mjc]

Betsy Barnicle flying you carry passengers.... Try thunking before posting stupid questions

[@betsybarnicle8016]

@@70mjc When you're in a diving 'team' (one or more dive partners) or on a climbing team, your actions directly affect the lives of others...and with the same responsibility as a pilot has towards passengers. Even a lawyer will tell you that. Your poor judgement or known inabilities can get other team members killed. It might not be murder, but could be ruled as manslaughter.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

@@70mjc 8000 m is sufficient level to qualify.

[@nancyadcock4899]

Love him, I’ve read his book and it’s so good. He was so driven from the time he was 11 years old, and he was a natural climber. So passionate and driven about what he wanted to accomplish. Handsome, talented and an exceptional man.

[@CindyOsika]

Have you watched Everest Documentary on youtube?

[@jjramos46]

If youre an elderly person you really have no business climbing such a mountain.

[@Longtack55]

How old is "elderly?" Chris Bonington was 50 before he summited Everest, having led many expeditions. Oscar Coberger completed a Grand Traverse of Mount Cook/Aorangi in New Zealand when he was 67. Yuichiro Miura has climbed Everest 3x at 70, 75 and 80, and has heart problems. He also skied down Mt Everest. Which mountains do you consider elderly people should climb? How about young people who have never climbed? The walk to the gate might be enough for you - in my frivolous judgement.

[@maxmackinlay618]

Sherpa Kami Rita who has summited 24 times says the problem is not overcrowding near the summit. Instead the climbers use all their energy to peak and don't have enough to get down safely.

[@keithhill6239]

Idk, when you have people stuck up above the death zone for hours on end waiting for their chance to traverse, it can kill even the best climbers. From camp 4 to summit and back, people are taking 20+ hour.

[@dennisjeffs4239]

As a retired mountaineer I find it gobsmacking that anyone would even contemplate standing in a six hour queue to get to the top of Everest safely and back down again. I blame the organisers and leaders of these groups of inexperienced climbers who know nothing about mountains, the Nepalese Government for handing out permits willy nilly which are not cheap, to allow these ego hunters up into the Death Zone while their oxygen slowly runs out. Even very experienced climbers with all their knowledge die on this mountains, anything goes wrong these amateurs don't stand a chance.

[@pricklypear7516]

Too many citizens of First World Countries are convinced that money, quite simply, ENSURES gratification. Everest has made no such agreement. Unfortunately, the Nepalese economy now depends on these fools, so it's a vicious cycle. Perhaps the Nepalese government would be well advised to ONLY issue permits to people who have undergone--and passed-- a rigorous, PAID training program. Applications would plummet, certainly, but the difference would be made up for by the cost of the program. Applicants would also have to be brutally vetted (for example, Beck Wethers would never have been allowed given his recent eye surgery). To be sure, only the richest and the most fit would stand a chance of summitting Everest, but that's an improvement over current conditions.

[@blessOTMA]

Dennis Jeffs, well said

[@tomfisher9089]

"Let them die and reduce the surplus population." Ebenezzer Scrooge

[@tomfisher9089]

@@pricklypear7516 Are you kidding me? The very same Beck Wethers, the surgeon from Texas, who lost both of his hands and should have lost his life up there as well, was up there again? Read about his absurd disregard for his life in David Brahear's book 'Into Thin Air'. People like Wethers should be put down by a veteranarian.

[@pricklypear7516]

@@tomfisher9089 Jon Krakauer wrote "Into Thin Air." This was the source for my comment. In many narratives, Wethers is portrayed as a sympathetic character-- a victim and a "survivor." (I beg to differ.) So, no, I'm not saying he was up there again, if that's what you're asking, only that he makes a convenient example of the type of person who should NOT be allowed up.

[@billkearon5528]

Hi David, Bill Kearon from NZ, i met you and Gerry Roach 1983 you and Gerry had just climbed to the top of the world you shared those amazing stories with myself and 4 friends, you were the first to video film from the top of everest, decend and send the film to american TV, i helped you set up the 2000mm lens video camera from Mt Kalla Patta, we were having turns looking into the tiny screen waiting on your other team mates making there way toward the summit, i was the one who first saw your climbing friends apear on the screen, that was so exciting and have kept those memories close to my heart,, you and Gerry invited us back to Base camp were we mmet your climbing team and shared more stories, i have watched all your movies and I max film , i cant beleave i was so lucky to meet you and your team and wish you all the very best in life, and you never no we may meet again.

[@mariegrenier]

David said he's never met a Bill Kearon. Stop inventing you a life.

[@mousealexander6412]

People climb Everest just to take a selfie and say hey I reached the summit of Everest

[@kimberlyhardin7386]

Holy crap! I called it quits waiting in line for the revamped space mountain turned into Star Wars... bc I thought if my sons asked me how much longer they had to wait in line.... I would die.... I had a flash back looking at that, but at least I got to pay $15 for a bucket of popcorn after I turned around!

[@fwily2580]

I read “Into Thin Air” twice. My take away: Greed Vanity Delusional Coercion

[@TecraX2]

"No big deal Harold, much ado about nothing!"

[@noodles169]

Ban oxygen cylinders on the mountain. That should stop the overcrowding and "tourist climbers"

[@rajkoelguapo12]

You don't develop an increased ability to breathe in the "death zone" with experience.

[@nickie7874]

It would also end a trash problem as so much of it is empty cylinders.

[@bythetimeyoufinishedreadin9083]

@@noodles169 banning oxygen isn't the right way to go. You should just create a cap on the number of tourists.

[@kyoakland]

They need to ban that bullshit flag on your profile picture

[@jamesl9371]

A great example of why people need regulation . Many people need to be protected from their own ignorance

[@lpuffin7899]

James Lade yay for the nanny state

[@falksudmersen5972]

NO....FUCK THEM.....let their freedom and that contains dumbness........you need regulation by a baton to your bones........

[@albertawheat6832]

Out of respect for the people who have perished On MT. Everest, people can decide for themselves. Good day.

[@donkeydump63]

The question Breashears posits at the end of the segment is a profound one. If one needs their hand held through every step of the process of reaching the summit then what is the payoff? One can't answer that question without sounding selfish, self entitled or narcissistic, and are most likely climbing Everest to scratch off another item from their bucket list. They'll likely never climb another mountain again.

[@PetraKann]

Teams climb these high altitude peaks

[@donkeydump63]

@@PetraKann Teams are made up of individuals, each of whom has his or her own reasons for climbing

[@PetraKann]

@@donkeydump63 You cant reach these peaks without logistical assistance and team work. The work that the Sherpas do is incredible. Sir Edmond Hillary reach the top of Everest first in 1953 but he was not alone - he had Tenzing Norgay Sherpa right beside him. They both had several hundred Sherpas assist in the expedition from the outset. Read Ed Viesturs book or listen to his interviews. He is America's greatest high altitude climber and the only American to have summited all 14 8,000 meter peaks without the aid of supplemental oxygen. Reinhold Messners did a famous successful Everest climb as close to "solo" as possible without supplemental oxygen and with his pregnant wife accompanying for part of the climb. But Messners was a ground breaking trail blazing freak.

[@PetraKann]

@@marythomas1198 I am sure that you will work out Bary

[@albertawheat6832]

@@PetraKann Reinhold Messner is a league of his own.

[@scottca9780]

I love the way the presenter refers to it as 'hiking' and 'trekking' up the mountain.

[@jrborghuis9178]

Well, it's true... Apart from 12 metres Hillary step, that's climbing of some sort...

[@susannehunter4017]

YES! No wonder people are dying on Everest, if it's "hikers" and "trekkers" who are attempting it.

[@Curt_Randall]

whenever I hear someone say now that they climbed Everest, I am no longer impressed. and that is a shame, because I am sure there are still plenty of legitimate climbers who do it without hiring someone else to get them there. but now their deserved recoginition gets lost with the masses.

[@michaeldemascio5521]

Its still a crazy accomplishment and if you break down youre fucked. Its still very impressive

[@heatherhillman1]

Do we have a responsibility to keep inexperienced climbers from killing themselves? The answer is a firm no. It's common knowledge that if you get into trouble in the death zone, you will most likely be on your own. It's called the death zone for a reason. The lack of oxygen makes every step a Herculean feat for an experienced climber, how the hell do these people think they will be saved? And how the hell do people who've never climbed Everest pass judgement on the climbers that pass by the dead and dying? Some have given up their own bid for the summit to help others. Some have stayed behind to help others, only to die themselves. Many have tried to help, knowing they are risking their own lives, many of whom are Sherpas, and those people are heroes. That doesn't make the others who are doing the very human thing of self preservation cowards. If you get to Everest Base Camp and you still haven't heard about the death zone credo, then you haven't been paying attention. Maybe the really wealthy ones can hire a very determined Sherpa team to insure their safety, but I'm guessing that is the exception. Besides, the Sherpas can only do so much when the client gets high altitude sickness. There is a reason why those that die in the death zone are left behind and never retrieved. Because it's far too dangerous. People make the choice to climb it of their own free will. It is up to them to train, to get into shape and to become strong enough to make the trip up and back. Many in the climbing community have stated that if you don't make it back down, it doesn't count. However, and as I've already stated, people choose to climb it of their own free will. Free will is an important component of humanity and there is far too much removal of free will in the world the way it is. So, no......we don't have any responsibility to encroach on someone else's free will. If they are willing to take the risk, that's on them. What needs to happen is they need to stop taking other people down with them. But that comes down to free will as well. If someone stops to help a climber in trouble, that's their decision. If they choose not to, that is also their decision, but they should not be expected to risk their own lives to save someone else when that someone else was warned and made an irresponsible decision anyway. If you are an inexperienced climber, of modest means, with Everest on your bucket list, you better make sure that's the last item on your list.

[@heatherhillman1]

@Golden Runway I have not climbed Mt Everest because I am not a climber, nor am I suicidal. I really don't see how that is even a relevant question.

[@heatherhillman1]

@Golden Runway Why don't you just come right out and ask whatever it is you want to know. I don't think my perspective would change, because at this point I have seen enough videos and heard enough of the stories to be fully aware of the risks involved and to know that I have no interest in taking those risks.

[@albertawheat6832]

I enjoyed your comment, well thought out and written nicely, I also agree with the very last part, about it being the last thing on the bucket list.

[@im.a.skyentist9692]

David hit the nail right on the head, now only if inexperienced climbers can do the same before going anywhere near Everest.

[@cullyx2913]

Great interview

[@tomhickman1006]

Well said, David.

[@Tina06019]

You could be really fit, spend hours every week in the gym and be able to run a 10 mile race with a good time: that doesn’t mean you know how to mountaineer.

[@martinandrewnewby1525]

like shriya who died up there(canada girl) , lied on her summit application that she was an experienced high altitude climber, even providing photo shopped images of her on high altitude slopes and summits on her IPhone to the nepalese tour company, the only training she had ever done ,was made a few 16 km walks around her area and walked up a few steep hills ,she got to hilarys step and the sherpas begged her to descend because she had used all her oxygen , they only had their own, and it was way past the golden time, which is 2:00pm, it was about 4:00pm, because of the human traffic jam, her reply as they waited with about 60 to 70 others"I payed good money to reach the summit and im going to with or without you", she did, and the sherpas nearly died waiting for her, they started to descend way too late and shriya through lack of oxygen and exhaustion, was over come with hypoxia and extreme dehydration and muscle fatigue, the sherpas still tried to save her life, even 1 who lost toes and fingers and who no longer works as a porter and now cannot provide for his familly, and while he sat trying to comfort her , all she could say and her last words were "save me", and all the poor sherpa could do is sit next to her holding and giving as much loving comfort to her, and reply "i cannot i am dying with you", he had used up all his oxygen and given her his high altitude meds, staying with her while the other sherpa went down for help, people should know what shriyas story is, they might just not lie to themselves and others and stay alive, on everest count to 5 to stay alive, its a safety thing and it works , and only 1 climbing crew practices it world wide, and at everest The QCC( Quiet Climbing Crew) 30+ years experience of high altitude summits and climbs, each member and a combined 600+ years knowledge between us, (50 members)we have never even suffered an injury exept low level frostbite and sore muscles ect, so in short we agree with you, and now you know something even most pro climbers and the best mountaineers and aventures dont, and dont use that could save them, check out the big brain on you at dinner parties during an everest discussion :), stay alive count to 5.

[@brontewcat]

@@martinandrewnewby1525 What does “Stay alive, count to 5” mean. I am not a mountaineer, and I have no desire to climb anything that requires special equipment. However, I think you are making a really important point so for all of us who are not knowledgeable about mountains what does it mean in practical terms someone has to do? You are also right people need to hear that story of that woman. Did the Sherpa survive? Was he 5he one who lost his fingers and toes.

[@albertawheat6832]

@@martinandrewnewby1525 Interesting, Thanks for sharing.

[@LardGreystoke]

Plenty of "experienced" climbers get themselves killed on other mountains, and the cause is usually the same: hubris. Same on Everest.

[@jeffdavis7356]

Good point. That’s even evident in some of the K2 teams.

[@LardGreystoke]

@@jeffdavis7356 I don't want to denigrate the capability of anyone tackling a tough mountain like K2; I assume they are fit and competent. It's hard to draw the line between overconfidence and a tragic mistake, particularly under conditions of severe deprivation. But on Everest egotism is combined with incompetence, a particularly toxic mix.

[@jamesl9371]

Should be a daily limit on the number of climbers. It’s ridiculous

[@betsybarnicle8016]

The permits should be limited based on safety. Anything less is criminal.

[@anniehills3580]

WE WILL MISS YOU, DAVID❤😢RIP

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks!

[@deputyVH]

For those with no experience it's a vanity project or suicide mission. Even top athletes like Victoria Pendleton have gone there on behalf of some charity. The only inspiration I get from these amateurs is to remember to keep my feet on the ground.

[@bobrobert8358]

David never looked better. He looks half his age.😁

[@jamesl9371]

I’d like to go to the base camp but I will never climb the mountain

[@francesvicario1334]

My brother did that in 2013. He planned ahead to be fit for it. It is no easy task.

[@vegasjk27]

I would like to go to base camp as well.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

@@vegasjk27 I had friends who did that in 2018. Base Camp is approx. 17,000 feet, still a very challenging trek for the, what they call, "Adventure tourists." But safer than the mountain itself. Let the tourists go to Base Camp and take pretty pictures of Everest. Anyone going to the the summit should have proof of experience and fitness to do so.

[@aurorat2953]

hes got a hard time accepting that his own tourism gets and has gotten others to want to go.. its a ripple effect

[@leafamania1]

Just because you can afford it doesn't make you mentally or physically able ... I'll bet most of these rookies take a golf cart around the course or drive to the corner store... leave Everest to the pros

[@iggybabs3981]

I'm running out of good Everest material to watch. Seems that it's only get harder to find good footage. Good luck to all going in 2021...

[@pegahghavami8062]

He was an amazing man.

[@ig2d]

whatever happened to the turn-around-time?

[@betsybarnicle8016]

This is why they need to limit permitting. You don't mess with turn-around time.

[@brianphillips9152]

David's "Storm Over Everest" is the best account of the 96 disaster.

[@albertawheat6832]

PBS version had way more footage.

[@luciad5988]

David Breshears is a warrior.

[@LunchPuppy]

Was the interviewer listening at all? The first think David Breashers says is he wanted to climb Everest after seeing Hillary's photo of Tenzing on the summit. Literally a minute later he asks "What made you as an 11 year old kid want to be on top of that mountain?"

[@jayesimond9301]

Anyone who is willing to endanger other’s lives or walk pass and let someone die in order to achieve a life goal, Everest included, should ask themselves what kind of ppl they are. Soul-less comes to mind. Soulless comes to mind.

[@ttmallard]

My take, for inexperienced climbers limit commercial guiding to South Summit standard route, teams on non-popular, harder routes unlimited. Ymmv, cheers!

[@todbenjamin7081]

As with most places people have ruined it

[@francesvicario1334]

Sad but true.

[@jsschwarz1]

I think the Nepalese government should ask their fee based on experience. None, and you will be asked twice the entrance fee. Simple, isn't it.

[@allanfifield8256]

People will just lie.

[@bobbiehofer4924]

I think you need to fit a criteria before you can even get a permit to climb. Too many of these climbers are “tourists”. I have seen many documentaries showing all of the horrors with these people. Only experienced climbers should be able to make the attempt. The others......piss off!

[@bestever2682]

They aren't going to limit the amount of visas or whatever because that's one of the main sources of income in that area. It's so sad because lives are being lost, but if the people who live their lose their income... It's a whole other situation 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Lisargarza]

I’m surprised there’s not a gift shop at the top by now...

[@More-than-ladyboys]

Lisa Garza I believe there's plans for a 7/11 at the Hilary Step 😂

[@mrfingers4737]

Does anyone compensate the families of the sherpas that do all the work and end up dead . I know they get paid but its probably not enough.

[@georgewilson3110]

is there a stat of experienced vs non-experienced climber deaths??

[@vladsnape6408]

Ego tourism. People with more money than sense.

[@Longtack55]

Everest "hiker" huh. What a damned insult, but I understand that now even if it was unintentional and just careless to say so. Some of the "climbers" are mere hikers, some of the clients have never climbed before, cannot erect a tent, have to be told when to eat, pee, drink, cannot cook or operate a stove to melt ice and snow, cannot apply crampons on the correct foot and the right way up, or even walk properly in them, cannot rappel, abseil or self arrest, jumar, don't want to use the sling on the ice axe etc etc. Let them die for their arrogance and stupidity with their egos intact .

[@D1it4FN]

5:40 -The ethos rooted in the question posed is an out used by those who blame others for their own crappy decisions. People blamed Rock and Roll for moral decline in the 1950's. Instead of holding accountable the individuals who imperil the lives of others for purely selfish reasons, some people will move heaven and earth to blame it on others out there in the ether.

[@semity]

Why were there no fixed ropes like we see now?

[@paulwalker9014]

Duh!

[@paulkazakoff9231]

There should be a big sign at the bottom of the mountain saying."If you try to climb this mountain there's a good chance you might not come back".

[@jancal9285]

Actually, there is something like that: dozens of memorials all around base camp, for the named and unnamed climbers lost.

[@goldenniblings]

Someone explain to me how the line to and from the summit works...ok, people are waiting to go up. The summit is not that big so not many can fit up there. They can not all be up there to clear the way down from the summit and down that thin ridge. How does it even work with THAT many people as in this horrible photo here...

[@blessOTMA]

Because of overcrowding, people are staying too long in the death zone....standing in line of all things. That line looks a wait line at Disney. Crazy. Perhaps they should set a number of people allowed on the mountain and hold a lottery for that amount of passes. Also at 55 years old, the window has passed.

[@garyschraa7947]

Create a "Climb Mt. Everest" virtual game where if you die you start over . If you run yourself out of oxygen you start over , if you kill other people game over

[@albertawheat6832]

The game has to be played with them strapped into a climbing machine, every step is going to feel real on the physical aspect.

[@acnorea123]

Aspiring mountaineers, especially inexperienced ones should first build the experience doing other less extreme mountains. Build gradually.

[@RobbGorringe]

Respect those who've passed. Re-direct negative comments back to inspire your own lack of motivation.

[@tomfisher9089]

I don't respect other fools who lay their life on the line for the sake of their gigantic egos. Throughout history, they have gotten what they deserve. I respect those worthy of respect not these morons.

[@RobbGorringe]

Tom Fisher you’re reasoning is absolutely ludicrous. Get rid of your car... and then say that of those die in highway fatalities too.

[@dmixdup]

One would think that a reasonably high chance of death would reduce the number of climbers. Why should Nepal do anything?

[@livingintheforest3963]

Keep going... the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate selfie🤪🤪

[@alcortez1261]

If you went and climbed Everest knowing it's dangerous and over crowded and then you die I think it's ok, we need to lessen our stubborn people in this world, no one is to blame here. No one is forcing people to what they are doing.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

"...brought the fatalities up to 11." I thought he was making a Spinal Tap metaphor.

[@yakinsea]

Whenever I hear or read of a climber, experienced or not, called a hiker, I know the writer, broadcaster, or commenter doesn't know the first thing about the subject.

[@jul30ie]

There has to be a process in place to ensure people have the necessary skills and are capable. Are they really letting any idiot climb? I guess Nepal governments mantra is ‘survival of the fittest’.

[@tomfisher9089]

Yes it says right on the application "ANY IDIOT...SIGN HERE"

[@deputyVH]

Maybe it is a symptom of our self obsessed social media world.

[@allengrant]

RIP David.

[@mickdundee6992]

I thought Fischer was the first American to summit Everest twice?? Or was it without oxygen?

[@flyguygsm8544]

we have got to stop "saving people from themselves". In this situation, if your vane enough, or ignorant enough to attempt this like its a casual stroll, it is the person in the mirror to blame. Not a government, not a sherpa, not other climbers. This is whats taking us downward, complete disregard for personal responsibility.

[@DontTouchMePlz]

The way this is filmed reminds me of an infomercial.

[@randalrobinson3424]

Good interview. However, the interviewer like most people have no idea close to death most climbers are much above Camp 4. Attempting to help rescue another climber has a low chance of success and puts your own life at risk. I am in no way trying to justify those who fail to offer assistance to others in need. I'm simply trying to provide some context for these decisions. Attempting to rescue another climber in this situation in truly a heroic act.

[@guysmalley]

Wait in that line to summit? Try something hard like being a good father

[@secretshopper9555]

100% on climber Should have to be required to prove u earned the rgt to climb Everest

[@amandalloyd1349]

The worst part is the garage they continue to leave.

[@MarvelousLXVII]

I've noticed that every one of these climbers who complain about too many people on the mountain did not turn back themselves.

[@u2opia2]

Too many inexperienced people. There is a difference.

[@edefournas]

Some turned back themselves

[@ludmilamaiolini6811]

That’s true, but I wonder if you can turn back when there are 100 people behind you and not a lot of space

[@albertawheat6832]

@@ludmilamaiolini6811 That bottle neck area, you can see the summit from there it's like 295 ft away,,, Siren call (summit fever they call it.)

[@dantheman1624]

I don't understand the need to climb with no experience...I would be happy to just see it and perhaps photo it...

[@ropersix]

The Chinese require climbing experience in order to get a permit for the North side of Everest, so that problem can clearly be addressed on the Nepal side, too, if enough people actually care about the situation there.

[@albertawheat6832]

Late to this video, what are the requirements ?

[@libertylovinglibertarian2528]

Darwinism at its finest.

[@Tsumami__]

Its not about wanting to get to the top, its a question of not being able to lug another person who is now dead weight back down to one of the lower camps at that height. When will people get that is why people get walked by when they're down and dying up there. If you're at that point you would have to be carried, and it isn't happening up there. If you can't walk to a camp on your own, that's that. And everyone who goes there should know that.

[@janellejandreau9256]

Many ppl expect it to be handed to them, no need for preparation, because you spent 50k and some 110 # Sherpa will carry your stuff to camp. Work out, prepare, expect that bad stuff could happen and you be ready for it. Don't expect the guy next to you to bail you out, he'll walk by to save his own life.

[@Paa375]

janelle jandreau sounds like a wonderful place to live

[@silverback1518]

If a picture is worth a thousand words, that photo of the traffic jam at the top of Everest is worth a million words. Good god, what's the f**king point? Money!

[@Paa375]

Rex Russell as soon as they showed me the washroom a big rock beside my tent I’d be like forget that no mountain in the world is worth freezing your ass off.

[@betsybarnicle8016]

Washington Post reports there were an estimated 320 climbers in line. Imagine if a storm had sprung up. www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/05/24/mount-everest-has-gotten-so-crowded-that-climbers-are-perishing-traffic-jams/?noredirect=on&.a4320b814d06

[@kennymoore8592]

It's ridiculous that people pay to put their lives in such tremendous jeopardy. Makes zero sense to me.

[@johndurrer7869]

There wasn’t too many people on the mountain. The weather window was just too short and everyone wanted to be part of the first group to go up. Had they waited it wouldn’t had happened

[@libertylovinglibertarian2528]

He says " You should only be climbing it if you can take care of yourself" in the very next sentence he says " of course the sherpas are there to carry all of your oxygen for you" so which one is it David?

[@albertawheat6832]

He is arrogant. 😉

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Insane amount of people on the mountain! Inexperience, money and a disregard for real Alpine climbing! Inexperienced climbers- crowding!

[@1733Athalia]

So an experienced mountaineer says that the solution is to bring more experienced mountaineers to Everest if a mid-level office manager was given the problem, he would suggest more mid-level office go to Everest.

[@guychi-chifly950]

Ill never understand the need to climb something

[@publikenemi49]

Tom Z , for me it’s about the tranquility and stunning views from the top

[@edefournas]

You don't climb your gf / wife ? ;)

[@jsschwarz1]

If you have never tried it before, you really don't know what you're missing. Mountains don't need to be high.

[@MegaMkmiller]

Because it's there.

[@ColoradoCamper]

As David said, it’s about the personal challenge, adapting to factors out of your control, and overcoming purely under your own strength, skills, and mental fortitude. The views are nice, but that’s not why people climb. Here in Colorado there are two peaks over 14,000 feet that you can drive to the top of. Lots of people drive, but lots of people also choose to climb them anyway. It is extremely satisfying, and a huge boost to one’s pride, to climb successfully and safely. It’s about accomplishing a very well-defined goal. Here is the summit, here is the route, here is my gear. Now it’s all up to me.

[@clemnewton9995]

It is all about the money if you got it you can go and try no problem no cash no go like anything money talks .

[@krugerfuchs]

Rip David

[@jackharle1251]

Mallory / Irvine were the first to summit

[@Bobo-hd6qn]

You should only be allowed one summit. If you make it to the top. Your not allowed back. Rob hall and scott fisher were experienced maintainers. And they caused several deathes by ignoring their turn around times. And dont forget this guy being interviewed still went to the summit after all those died in 96. He is no saint.

[@MrFg1980]

Imagine hearing this on your next flight: Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I'll be your captain today, I have no experience whatsoever, but I do have $75,000 and somebody who does know what their doing watching me from the right seat. The plan is to take this bitch up to 30,000 feet, mix it up with a bunch of other airplanes doin' the same thing, and c'mon down. Should be good.

[@albertawheat6832]

That was very creative...Also very funny, I heard that in Leslie Nielsen's voice.

[@QQ-my2rq]

If I want to go and potentially die there, why do you care? Why do you want to stop me? There is enough information about all the risks and who needs to be taught by someone when internet era is here? It’s ridiculous to say that the death tall is so high because of amateurs, most of died were professionals! There is the list of people died on Everest, go and check, and let me break my neck, not yours. Listen to Reinhard Messner, the greatest climber ever, interview, where (at the age of 75) he said threat “exactly 50% of all the professional climbers he knew, died in the mountains” (c). But no one is in a hurry to discuss whether to forbid climbing at all. Let people do what they want and pay for their choices.

[@9090Glenn]

climbing Everest is an adventure and attracts adventurous people - however - there are clearly far too many rank amateurs trying to do it and once you are beyond 7000-8000m YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN and you will find that out the v. hard way if you piss up - if you cannot climb YOU SHOULD NOT BE ON THAT MOUNTAIN - you should have a minimum (3) summits of say 5000 6000 and 7000m of increasing technical challenge BEFORE you try to do Everest - it is NOT Disney Land - just because you paid your ticket does not mean you get to ride the RIDE - in Nepal it is understood amongst the Sherpa that a western climber has a 50-50 chance of survival on Everest - 50-50 - the feeling for them is that you should be mentally prepared to DIE before you go because there is a good chance you will not come back

[@betsybarnicle8016]

This climbing sport is an evolution, just like scuba diving was through its history. But in scuba diving, certification has become required. And to dive caves, you need a special training/certification. And piloting planes has evolved to require training and licensing. Geesh, even driving first requires a learning permit then different categories of licencing. Hunters require training and licensing. So, by now there should be some agency that licenses climbing for altitudes over x-height or difficulty level. All these other sports have it...because we're civilized beings who believe in safety.

[@bonnieirvin5793]

How do climbers prove they got to the top?

[@bonnieirvin5793]

105 Wonky Well wise one, a camera isn't a sure thing, they could drop it on the way up. I guess their dead corpse would be proof enough they made it

[@albertawheat6832]

A picture, a satellite phone call, a short video from the ceiling (summit) and in some cases Their body, is still there. Cheers

[@MostCommentsAreFake-ud8by]

One million dollars per permit will solve it.