Heartbreak on top of the world: Australian woman dies on Mount Everest | 7NEWS Spotlight

Dr Marisa Strydom was a high achiever, full of energy with a real zest for life. Her great loves were her husband Robert and their shared passion for climbing the world’s highest mountains. Their plan was to reach the summit of Mount Everest and share the joy of standing at the top of the world together. But deep in the Everest ‘death zone’, 8,000 metres up, disaster struck. Steve Pennells met her heartbroken husband and family, and obtained exclusive video from those final fateful hours. This story originally aired in 2016.
Subscribe to 7NEWS Spotlight for the latest video » 7news.link/SpotlightSubscribe
Connect with 7NEWS Spotlight online
Visit » 7news.com.au/spotlight
7NEWS Spotlight Podcast » smarturl.it/7NewsSpotlight
Facebook » / 7newsspotlight
Twitter » / 7newsspotlight
Instagram » / 7newsspotlight
7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 11:30am and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.

[@gcprost]

The problem is that Everest is no longer a destination for climbers; it is a destination for tourists.

[@brianjacobsen5762]

For rich people. The mountain been climbed. Looks like a bomb went off up there. Leave it alone. Quit bringing people up there.

[@ashashash9339]

Well said.

[@martinhowarth2877]

@brian I completely agree. However, what do you suggest the sherpas and surrounding villages do for money? Income? Food? Jobs?

[@gcprost]

@@martinhowarth2877 You are right to bring up this question. I’m not sure what standard of living these people are experiencing; however, the large number of tour companies are doing well. A number of years ago I had a chance to speak to Sir Edmond Hillary. He was very concerned about the deforestation and the lack of schools and health infrastructure for the local Nepalese people.

[@aurochsxx5932]

Yeah like everywhere else, villagers, restaurants, shop owners all need tourists whoever they may be

[@pematopgyal5194]

That moment when he asked his wife if he could continue without her is the moment he failed her and let his ambition override his love for her.

[@jaytok7]

💯..he would of known at 8000ft + if u start feeling the way she did, that means u are in big trouble unless u start going back down to a lower altitude..hell i even know this and i havnt even seen a 8000 mtr mountain. This js a decision he will need to live with for the rest of his life

[@briansniffin2719]

I see both sides. It costs thousands upon thousands of dollars to make that climb and plan it. You don’t go there to not try and complete it. I’m sure that’s part of the internal struggle, “we spent $_____ on this trip what a waste not to try and finish.” However, if your life partner is struggling I think that’s when you throw in the towel. But we weren’t there we can’t speak on their dynamic in their relationship. Maybe she pushed him to finish. Who knows. But if you listen to the professionals and the staff they literally say you have to sign a will because there’s a definite chance you can die. Idk personally for me, I wouldn’t take the risk. But then again we drive on highways at 75 mph+ with the risk of intoxicated drivers/illegal drivers/ ppl who shouldn’t be driving, go out to public places where mass shootings happen, and swim in oceans with sharks everyday…life comes with risks- but this is a CALCULATED risk. You know going in people won’t make it back. Idk I feel indifferent about it. Regardless, it’s super sad, RIP to the lives lost.

[@dannysworld582]

Exactly. The Indian man did the same and same thing happened. The mountain punished the ambition.

[@krishnaverma2603]

Sometimes things are not in our control her death was destined

[@valentin1028]

The correct decision for him would have been to to immediately accompany her down when she start feeling so badly at that high altitude. Instead, he said, "do you mind if I go on?" Sorry but this is the reality of the situation.

[@robgrey6183]

I was with MY wife at high altitude in Nepal when she started exhibiting signs of acute mountain sickness. I immediately took and carried her pack and, from that moment, my whole purpose was to get her down. She kept asking me to let her stop and I kept dragging her to her feet and helping her on. We finally got to a lower altitude where she recovered. Yeah, I blame this guy.

[@ToreDL87]

You're a true mountaineer & a man's man!

[@desertgirl6511]

@rob grey your wife is alive because of your actions and the decision you made to turn around and help her down the mountain. I wish this guy had done the same thing. I’m so happy though that you and your wife made it down safely.

[@aluharrison7172]

got to agree your wife should be your 1st option help her survive. Not leave her so he can reach the top of everest 😔

[@sukhivirdee144]

💯! Why would a husband leave his wife behind in the death zone??

[@vanollsum]

You are a so much better p.o.s then the most of us... i bet you jurk of on it...this man got "life" for his choises...

[@jamesmichaels4979]

if she was too exhausted to reach the summit, she would definitely need help going down. He used that valuable time and energy to reach the top and go back down to her instead of helping her go down to a safer level. Its obvious he's regretful, distraught and very sorry and was deeply in love. The guilt is killing him and he feels responsible. I hope he finds peace. This video is a good lesson for those with Summit Fever.

[@travelwithfawn]

There was nothing he could’ve done. Only way she could’ve been saved is if she turned around sooner. There was no way he could’ve saved her, it’s impossible to carry or help someone in those conditions, it sounded like he barely made it down alive to camp himself.

[@breezy-duz-it]

@@travelwithfawn You said it yourself, turning around sooner would’ve saved her. Instead of turning around, he left her and went to the summit and back, then began to go down, having wasted their time and energy. The reason they didn’t “turn around sooner” was to reach the summit, so yeah, it could’ve changed everything if they just went back together…

[@mts7274]

Never leave someone behind if you truly love them.

[@hanasembdnerova8782]

​@@breezy-duz-it You are right, I feel the same.... It will be very hard for him to forgive himself. It is a very cruel forfeit for being on the top od the world. Sorry for them both.

[@hanasembdnerova8782]

​@@mts7274 I think do from the very beginning, sorry for them.

[@darrenharvey5615]

There are places on earth where humans aren’t meant to be. Everest is definitely one of them!

[@cindyreynolds4045]

You are so right my friend !

[@chiaraip9749]

As long as People believe they can win everything and are above nature, as long people will die.

[@fndngnvrlnd]

@@chiaraip9749 Agree!!!!!!

[@Marc-mj3sk]

Very true, but that is what entices people in. They know the risks. It’s sad that people lose their lives climbing Everest.

[@leifgriem9753]

I think Sherpas and very experienced mountaineers do okay up there. It’s the rich fucks that pay sherpas to drag them up the mountain that shouldn’t be up there.

[@TheMonkiAss]

We have a very different attitude about "quitting" on the mountian in Norway. It carries no shame and it is smart and encouraged when you are tired or feel unsafe.. it really saves lives. I hope people elsewhere can learn from that.

[@mkrmmd1162]

Me and my two son's were on the peak of a Mountain once with a group of 8 when suddenly my younger son froze on the ledge (about 10 meters from top). The group carried on, but me and my sons turned back around after a short rest... I would never have left him and carried on and come back for him... Its sad the married couple in video didn't know when to stop... I think the guys ego and determination got the best of his common sense.

[@mariakass6213]

Some simply can't discern the massive difference between "quitting" and "surviving". Allow yourself the opportunity to live and try again another day.

[@kiwiinbrazil]

@@mkrmmd1162 I agree.... he should have stayed with his wife. Chances are they both would have made it safley back to camp 4.

[@kevinbrooks1104]

Here in the US if 2 go out 2 come back. You never never leave someone behind, you forsake the peak and stay with your partner. Too many what if factors exist up high. If somebody is sick you stick and stay until you get the meds or oxygen. Especially if it's family. Summit fever is real

[@mapaz555]

The same as climbing high you should do as when you scuba dive down into the deep ocean, always with a partner, you don’t leave them. With the buddy system you should be in constant check of your partner. Would a diver leave the other so they can do deeper, no

[@thamadtroll9981]

What a husband, asked his wife could he finish the climb to the top, while she's suffering and eventually dies. What a husband

[@lacyrussell6688]

Unfortunately, when you’re in the state of hypothermia, you don’t even realize your body is shutting down. She might’ve thought she was just fatigue, but didn’t realize the actual telltale signs.

[@pranjalpatil9659]

You know nothing about mountaineering I guess!

[@thamadtroll9981]

@@pranjalpatil9659 I know any husband that puts something as meaningless as climbing a mountain as more important than taking care of his wife is a deadbeat of a husband

[@charlenemaxwell6208]

A0

[@earthynomad7160]

I watch these mountain deaths just to laugh at rich ppl stupidity 😂😂😂

[@joeparker846]

Lesson: Never leave someone you love behind.

[@stevenconrad2041]

Damn straight!

[@gergana.a]

Oh, how true!

[@Ineffable1111]

Even someone you don't like should not be left on a mountain for selfish ambition.

[@Haziza87]

Lol beta

[@fishmonger6879]

Why should he have to die too? It is near impossible to carry someone down. She was prone to altitude sickness, if she was so smart how come she didn’t learn her lesson?

[@christinemichele2318]

“Do you mind if i go on?” Ugh... that story of a husband going on ahead to the summit and his wife dying has happened before. If you leave someone exhausted in the death zone to summit chances are when you come back they will no longer be there alive

[@shinyhappyshibas1385]

Yep, that was the end of her right there. The husband should have immediately proceeded down with her when she could not go any further up the mountain. There is always next year. Those hours waiting around in the death zone for him to return from the summit were crucial and most likely caused her death. Very sad.

[@seanlinnan2719]

I felt that's was a crappy decision. You don't leave your wife behind... especially when she is dying. Not for ego anyway. But I can see how that conversation went. I get it. I might ha e done the same. My wife would have told me to go up, too.

[@MrFg1980]

@@shinyhappyshibas1385 Why didn't it happen that way ? How could he have not thought that ? They say hypoxia constantly clouds thinking up there. What you suggest seems like a no brainer to me, but we're both close to see level. I do mountaineering as well and sitting here at sea level I think he should have done exactly as you suggest. Those crucial hours you talked about, she was mostly ambulatory, with assistance they probably COULD have gotten her to Camp 3 and within reach of a more sophisticated rescue. It is sad.

[@debbieweahkee3820]

I bet a whole lot of his sadness is from guilt

[@angelacarter2974]

Yes exactly what I was thinking

[@ML-hs3ld]

American mountaineer Ed Viesturs' famous quote: "Getting to the summit is optional. Getting down is mandatory."

[@user-gd2tk5qo5y]

The problem is that some go down when they have already died. They die because they entrust their lives to the guides who are the ones who know when it is time to go down. In my opinion it is the responsibility of the guides in most cases.

[@trulsdirio]

Only problem being, the freaking place most of the viable summit days is crowded to the point you can't even turn around and get back down due to all the people blocking the way.

[@violet9853]

@@trulsdirio they need rules and guidelines, too many cause deaths.

[@BunzingJeeper]

@@user-gd2tk5qo5y Don't entrust your life in the hands of people who have no control over the situation. The environment is way to complex to expect them to save your life...

[@user-gd2tk5qo5y]

@B Koz Lo que asumo es que muchas personas que suben a montañas de altitud superiores a lo soportado por el cuerpo humano, que implica subir por encima de la zona de la muerte, que no tienen ni la preparación ni la experiencia. En primer lugar las aseguradoras no deberían asegurar a estos clientes (y en todos los casos de que lo hagan deberían de cubrir los costes de recuperar el cadaver y repatriación), la administración no debería expedir el permiso y los guías no deberían subirlos. En el buceo esta regulado, para bucear debes tener un permiso y dependiendo de la experiencia y el titulo que tienes, puedes bucear a una profundidad o a otra, siempre regulado.

[@findelka1810]

I naively thought that if you climb with your spouse, ESPECIALLY in the death zone and he/she has a problem, you wouldn’t leave him/her behind to go for the peak, but immediately turn back with him/her (no matter what he/she says). Are there no such written or unwritten rules for climbers? This is mindblowing for me. Someone mentioned scuba diving, and indeed divers would never do such a thing. It’s such a no-brainer!!

[@Aron-ru5zk]

One written rule is you stay with your rope team at all times or you die, she didn’t.

[@chre3611]

you are soo right!!!

[@mangafq8]

Well scuba divers don't necessarily have a physical goal. If you can see the Summit and think that another 100 yards or whatever distance is your goal is within reach, then that stupidity overtakes your reason, I suppose.

[@travelwithfawn]

There was nothing he could’ve done. Only way she could’ve been saved is if she turned around sooner. There was no way he could’ve saved her, it’s impossible to carry or help someone in those conditions, it sounded like he barely made it down alive to camp himself.

[@cpatch-nh5cs]

Everest attracts the worst narcissist and sociopath Type A personalities as tourists. That's why.

[@Lionforaday]

I just can't romanticize this, saying, "she died following her passion," or, "at least she died in the arms of the one she loved!" This was a smart and vibrant young woman with countless opportunities; she was given the gift of a remarkable life, and she gambled it away. I'm aware that this sounds harsh. Yet remember, this wasn't a car accident. This wasn't cancer. It was a tremendous risk - and an utterly voluntary one. Not only are you pushing yourself past your physical limits, but you're making decisions with an oxygen-starved brain. Of course it's tragic that she died, but her death didn't simply "happen." Accidents happen; so do illnesses and natural disasters. She died from a kind of Russian roulette. And now her husband, seen here fairly marinating in guilt, has to continue life without her. All the while knowing her death was utterly preventable. Honestly? I can imagine few things harder.

[@tubenoober]

Agree completely with this point of view. And to add to that… I hate that people tie the sentiment of “I’m not a quitter!” to Everest or risky things like it. Like they are brave heroes risking their lives doing this completely voluntary thing. I just don’t understand it!!

[@lauriesmith4575]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@scottieeasley4907]

No her husband gambled it AWAY U tool

[@dianeallen6330]

Well said!

[@en2p187]

@@tubenoober we have a weird way of looking at things sometimes. Replace I'm no quitter with risk reward assessment for each situation. It's just simply wits and self preservation, which we've seen can be overrided in pursuit of a dogged goal.

[@serpk8637]

I never understood why people risk their lives to get to that summit! You get there, so what!!!! It was his duty to take her back down instead of going to the summit alone.

[@thetruthh101]

Women want to be treated the same as men right? Both of them had a responsibility to take care of themselves first and then each other. The man doesn’t have to do everything.

[@serpk8637]

@@thetruthh101 it is not about men and women, it is a bout someone's life.

[@thetruthh101]

@@serpk8637 Exactly. Take care of yourself first.

[@budawang77]

People have differently personalities and motivations. A small proportion of people are driven to do extreme things like climb Mount Everest or sail solo around the world. We need all types and the world would be a poorer place without the adventurers among us.

[@graduke1]

It's tragic we only live once big mistakes can't be rectified. With rhe benefit of hindsight getting to the top of everest for the husband is less important than both of them getting down safely I am speculating, but when climbers are going at a sloth like pace I think the sherpas and guides should insist the climbers give up However, a lot of climbers are very high achievers...and they won't contemplate failure...in any aspect of their lives

[@jlovely1163]

My brother worked as part of a rescue team in everest years ago and was scared for his life. He said that a lot of dumb people go up there untrained and are risking other peoples lives. smh.

[@sic04250f]

@@jasonlacroix6083 please explain? I received multiple transfusions years ago when my kidneys suddenly failed. Went onto dialysis and later received a transplant from my father.

[@kimmyklo7848]

People think that just because they have unlimited funds to “climb” Everest, they should. The sherpas are hauling all their stuff and dragging these people (willingly) up. All for an ego boost and photo ops.

[@aplainjaneproduction8285]

The government needs to stop giving out climbing passes like water

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Nepal third world country very little income, Everest gives many families a good life if dangerous

[@itr0863]

I think your brother would say that this couple had no business being there

[@braz41nj]

He can cry me a river did not convince me. At the end of the day he abandoned his dying wife for a minute of glory.

[@Hanna-mr3jb]

If you want to reach the top of the world, know that lying holding the hand of your loved one, you’ve already reached the top. ❤

[@duckscanflyswimwalkandtalk4462]

That's a good one, now say something about ducks 🦆

[@missblue4699]

❤️❤️❤️

[@deeprollingriver5820]

His desire to reach the summit far outweighed his desire to “do everything together “with his wife.

[@montinaladine3264]

Yep, sad but true.

[@chriscaruso2264]

Wonder what he does now, like Hi im Rob I climbed Everest and lost my wife. I have no other things to accomplish in life because I’m alone now.

[@sylviasayer1864]

Agreed sad but true

[@talkswithvigy7860]

It's called as summit fever.

[@Trouble-Clef]

When she stopped and told him to continue neither of them thought she’d die. She couldn’t go further but he was so close that of course she would have wanted him to make it for both of them. I’m sure if he had an inkling that she was in serious trouble he would not have carried on. And that’s what he lives with every day.

[@markmarsh27]

The bodies on Everest teach us ONE thing. ... The Human Ego is a pathetic, deadly mental illness.

[@huntermcclovio4517]

Selfish people, they have better things to do with their lives, than dying and spending large sums of money.

[@fndngnvrlnd]

Agree!!!!!!!

[@MeMe-m3m3]

It Is For Sure A Mental Illness

[@nikapak9747]

Human arrogance.

[@dft1]

Ego achieves great things though. How about all the deaths for early rockets and space explores?

[@mellel5594]

She was not feeling well and he left her alone. He didn't even enjoy reaching the summit without her. I could never leave someone whom I love in that dangerous environment, in that condition. If he was truly as distraught as he appeared, then he will carry the guilt of leaving her behind for the rest of his life. May Marisa rest in peace. 🙏🏾

[@dorapopovici9101]

show some empathy, maybe his judgement was impaired at that altitude, maybe he didn’t realize his wife was in such a bad shape, it is obvious that he is plagued with guilt and remorse, it is terrible to live with such feelings. I feel terribly sorry for him, it is obvious he loved her deeply, he made a mistake leaving her behind and he now pays a big price, it’s easy to judge but we all make mistakes. May he find peace of mind and forgiveness for him self and may she rest in peace.

[@heatherkeathley9124]

@@dorapopovici9101 yea, its called summit fever.... nothing mattered more to him at that moment, than reaching the summit. If he wouldve taken her straight down, she would've been able to reach Camp 3 before nightfall & wouldve gotten rescue. I guess its not empathetic to speak this type of truth about this situation but it is truth, nonetheless..... same thing happened to David Sharp. Look at his heartbreaking journey. Marrisa should've lived. Period.

[@katiamontana871]

You dont even know How you will react??? Have you ever climb Everest ? Show some respect !

[@chre3611]

@@katiamontana871 someone like them should not climb mount everest at all!!! Sorry but I do not feel respect. Not knowing about your skills and physical strenghth, then leaving your friend alone, because if summit fewer, a mental weakness. You should know about this phenomen before you climb that mountain, and think about how to react in such a situation bevore you get in it. This is no excuse. Is a shame!!!

[@Gumbyloomy]

@@chre3611 you’re an awful person.

[@MwahAi]

I’m an avid hiker and love the adrenaline rush of summiting a mountain. A couple of years ago we climbed Half Dome in Yosemite, as we reached the base of the Dome where the cables start, I saw a flash of lighting the next mountain over. After hiking for 6 hours to reach where we were, I was sad to turn back but my gut feeling was to do so and not risk my life trying to summit as the weather was turning sour fast. One of my friends had already started the cables, but I convinced him to turn back. Some people next to him even got mad and told me that I “didn’t know what I was talking about”, while others also turned back after realizing the situation we were all in. Still, many people continued onto the cables, which were metal, and metal and lightning is not a good combo. As we descended the Dome it started hailing/raining as the thunderstorm rolled in, definitely a recipe for disaster. Thankfully we had already reached the trail where it was no longer granite but dirt. I can’t imagine how dangerous it would be if I was on top of the Dome trying to hike down slick wet granite, while fearing for possible lightning strikes. That day it was definitely a lesson for me to continue to listen to my intuition.

[@Dee0336]

Very good decision, I’ve made it to the top of half dome twice and if I ever saw there would be any possible chance of rain I would’ve turned around without hesitation.

[@alechendrix9367]

Better safe then sorry. Stick with your gut

[@jonathanmosher72]

I wouldn't call hiking up the back of half-dome "climbing" it's just a strenious very long day hike.

[@driftless1870]

@@jonathanmosher72 Amen!

[@jimkayser1880]

Those cables are no joke. I wanted to take my teenaged sons up there but looking at those cables in pictures was enough to make me say “no thanks”.

[@Grizzlybill33]

I know I would NEVER leave a woman I loved alone on a killer mountain!! As soon as she wasn't feeling well I'd say that's it, we're heading down, I'm not taking a chance on losing you!!

[@SPRING2024CALIFORNIA]

AMBITION CAN BE THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.

[@TarotPolitics]

Just watching documentaries about these tragedies you know what happens!!! Lack of oxygen, mental fog, hypothermia, the only solution is to get out of that altitude ASAP. Hubby’s ego got in the way…

[@Georgeanne17]

Exactly. No money, no object, mountain etc is worth the life of the person you love!!

[@anjupanta94]

It's easy to say in hindsight

[@inouno77]

You are a good man. Hard to find now days. Look at that mountain goon who left his wife. Unbelievable.

[@Itried20takennames]

My dad tells a story about a fellow chemistry student who came to a professor saying “I don’t know what to do. No matter how much I study, get tutors, etc. I still don’t get the material.” The crusty old German professor responded simply “Then you should quit! This isn’t your field.” The student later did and was much happier and more successful in another field, saying he was grateful for the advice. Quitting can be the smartest choice at times.

[@SPRING2024CALIFORNIA]

THE CRUSTY?😂👍🏻

[@kinte1870]

Everything isn't for everyone

[@ChristophProbst]

I was terrible in geology. No matter how hard I studied, I couldn't grasp the topic. I managed to graduate, but it was a struggle. I later sort of fell into the law and I picked up those topics quickly and passed the bar on my first attempt. Sometimes its good to know when to quit. Quitting doesn't mean you're giving up. It means that you tried something and found it wasn't for you.

[@bryanbiemans123]

Thats how i feel about maths

[@karlsnow5281]

@kinte1870 how true is that ? Because we accel at a thing or 2 we are competent at all we attempt ? We set ourselves up for so much disappointment in life, and even tragedy, such as this, because we cannot admit we aren't capable in 1 area and another.

[@luciebrisson5881]

It's sad to see her husband so heartbroken of course but it is very hard for me to have any sympathy for people whose idea of a life worth living is putting themselves at risk for a thrill and causing worry and anxiety to their family and friends.

[@kushyaku]

right? He is only sad now that he feels the guilt of abandoning his wife. Not so worth it now huh.

[@cheshirecat1212]

He cries and yet there are no tears. He is wiping dry eyes.

[@MrLincolndaman]

So heartbroken his crying has no tears?

[@marikatecarlisle3988]

My husband is a rescuer. He won’t even let me be in danger for a second. I’m very lucky. Sorry you lost her

[@RadGnarRad]

This video lost me where he said "we became separated". You don't disconnect from your climbing partner. Ever. Least of all, your wife.

[@sandie157]

Yes. He chose to go on...they didn't become seperated

[@RadGnarRad]

@@sandie157 He was referring to the return. Either way, he abandoned his climbing partner. either you both make it, or no one does. This is a fundamental rule of mountaineering. He chose to go on, as you say, abandoning the person he climbs with. I refuse to cry for that person. I would never, under any circumstances, abandon my wife on the mtn. I would either carry her or lie down and die, but leave? No. Never.

[@RadGnarRad]

@@sandie157 I am commenting on a situation, where I was not present. I generally don't agree with that - however I have seen a bunch of wannabe mountaineers justifying things by saying "we became separated" There is no such thing. If you are truly a mountaineer, you do not separate from your climbing partner. Ever.

[@foxfire1112]

@@RadGnarRad ya this was by choice and he has to live with it

[@barbaraseymour3437]

Or your husband…

[@markusbrauns4274]

Time and again, I've heard professionals say, If you are 300 feet from the summit, and it's getting late, or you are exhausted, you bail. Go back down, and try again. As tough as that is, or you die. Case in point. As a Canadian, I'm fully aware of a Canadian woman who summited Everest, and sadly, she is still there. Summiting, is only half the battle.

[@lturner6256]

Yes, most folks perish on the descent.

[@miriammoriarty8588]

100%.

[@maggie210]

Do you mean Shriya Shah Klorfine's body?Her body was retrieved from Everest if i'm not wrong.Very sad story indeed😪May all those who died on Everest rest in peace🙏

[@bluebacon4233]

@GEMINI factor sounds like this couple were also low on oxygen. He was completely out on the way down. The sherpas should have known both of them needed to turn around much earlier than they did.

[@nstl440]

@GEMINI factor Everest is a wild west ... better know everything about oxygen

[@TheAhmedvienna]

I would never ever leave my wife alone like this. Even if it is just a forest. I feel sorry for the guy, because he will probably end up using to dull his pain away. He may actually not survive if he doesn’t get over it. So this is a tragedy of two people.

[@verybarebones]

Even if he survived hes not living. Its a tragedy of two already

[@stevenewton7028]

He left her behind, he turned his back on his wife, in the death zone, on the highest mountain in the world, Mont Everest. He just wanted to get to the top with or without her. 😢

[@atlast3]

Well their is nothing u can do about it u cant take her body with u or u die urself

[@scottieeasley4907]

Her parents FAILED HER WHEN THEY LET ROB LIVE,OR ON THEIR PROPERTY

[@mts7274]

lol, i can't imagine ANYBODY leaving a family member [who is struggling] behind in Everest's Death Zone. I bet they were both atheists.

[@blurredlenzpictures3251]

​@mts7274 yeah because religion is such a good thing. Grow up.

[@chriscaruso2264]

Head over heels for this women he decided to leave behind. Others may say that they don’t blame you. But I’m not one of them. You never leave the person you love behind!

[@itr0863]

I wanna show this video to my wife every time she gets mad at me. “At least I don’t leave you in the death zone”

[@arizaliit]

@@itr0863 lol

[@pkeelan56]

EVER!!!!

[@LaurenAnyone]

I mean another way to look at it is that she wanted him to summit. It was important to her too that he get to do that amazing thing

[@deew7014]

@@LaurenAnyone bet she’d rather be alive

[@jaceleroy402]

Everest doesn't take lives, people give their life to Everest. Nobody is forced to climb it, and those that do understand the risks. This young woman gave her life to the mountain.

[@rickciceran3181]

She wasn't his climbing partner she was his wife. She was struggling to make camp four. He should have taken her down at that point. And her love for him made her keep going. When you are with your wife as a man you are responsible for her welfare. He should have taken her back to camp three spent a night to rest and then back to base camp. He didn't even leave her at camp four. She tried to summit. When she faltered and couldn't go any further he left her alone. His fucking wife. He left her on the side of fucking mount everest at twenty eight thousand feet in the air with high altitude sicknes so he could fucking summit.

[@user-ns8ex2bb9j]

No she didnt. She trusted & loved her husband. U must be him

[@user-ns8ex2bb9j]

Said NO ONE EVER!

[@stephaniehaines4454]

The hours he spent climbing the rest of the mountain vs the hours he could have helped guide her down the mountain was life or death . He chose Death 😢

[@franklinjoseph9067]

He chose her death

[@cloudswinger2000]

It was only supposed to be 15 minutes. But that extra half hour could have made a difference.

[@helenconlon3453]

He left his wife unbelievable ,no excuses to love ,honour and protect .

[@Notoriouscj1]

She told him to go ahead. She made the ultimate sacrifice for her husband she was a real wife and deserve to be praised for her actions

[@eeswarb3352]

Decision to do this kind of dangerous adventures with loved ones it self is a wrong idea.. one might get into situation where they are forced to leave their loved one to die or staying with them will make both die.. Brain says leave and heart says stay.

[@lorir5728]

It's not quitting. It's called saving your life

[@harshityadavCamper]

Exactly. Quitting shouldn't be shamed in mountaineering.

[@barehand549]

No, it’s not quitting. It’s called saving your wife. If she is in jeopardy, you prioritize saving her. Come back later by yourself if you just have to do it.

[@MTknitter22]

She was very foolish -

[@audacious6312]

@@MTknitter22 He is a scumbag.

[@pabsts____3964]

And now they’re gonna risk 10-12 more lives to go retrieve her body. If he wants her down, he should do it by himself. Don’t risk Sherpa lives because he made a mistake he cannot live with. She’s part of the mountain now. Leave her in peace and leave others to live their lives.

[@danielkirkland3366]

It’s disgusting he left her and that’s where she should stay

[@pelerinonline2191]

This event happened in 2016. The sherpas did retrieved her body.

[@debbieweahkee3820]

Well said!

[@hzalk4952]

If u care about sherpas let them do their job and get some cash to their family

[@rumblefish9]

There's as an unspoken rule that if you die on the mountain, you stay there.

[@laurelvanwilligen9787]

This guy provides such a nice contrast to all of the decent men of integrity out there.

[@brandisquires1176]

Goodbye, sweet Marisa. My condolences to all those who loved you.

[@vbrvideoproductions4643]

As harsh as this comment will sound - he should've never left her, his wife should of always been his number one priority, not some bloody mountain!

[@bobcharly8641]

My first initial thought, I would never leave a loved one just to make it to the top of a mountain.

[@kathrynoneill5862]

I agree 💯

[@RoelienC100]

Sorry, but that still wouldn’t saved her as she was on her last already

[@jadedavis822]

I agree and I don’t think it’s harsh

[@nalandaland1293]

. all the more reason to NOT go off jumping up and down at the summit and actually be with your wife AT her last.

[@tigerex777]

I'm not a mountain climber but like to hike medium sized mountains. When I went on my first mountain I quit mid-way due to fatigue and immediately went down. I told this to my girlfriend who is an avid climber and the first thing she said to me was that she was surprised at my good decision. She wasn't disappointed because I quit, but instead was proud that I knew when to quit. Well, I went back the following week feeling more prepared and got to the top.

[@Briguy1027]

Clint would agree with you. A man's gotta know his limitations.

[@sayawolf1061]

Bravo, it was the right decision! To know your Limits is more brave than anything else.

[@theb3654]

Always trust your body and intuition no shame in admitting you have reached your limit.

[@818cookies]

I have hiked some medium sized mountains countless times. Sometimes, I still quit halfway when I feel like I’m not hydrated or well-fed that day

[@markdooley8789]

Cap 🧢 😂

[@rebeccaleegabbard]

I feel bad for him on one hand, but he left his wife to summit a mountain. As a hiker, I would NEVER leave anyone behind. To then risk more peoples lives to recover her body, you climb that mountain knowing you could die, that’s the risk. Knowing she was struggling and leaving her, he’ll have to live with that. If it’s something you go to do together, you stay together no matter what happens

[@staceygram5555]

Women are intelligent, strong and independent and don't need no man, remember? Time for women to be held accountable for their own actions instead of always blaming men.

[@SoundGGirl]

@@staceygram5555 posting the same comment over and over? Whichever woman did this to you, boy has she made you suffer - you have posted the same comment on KZbin 900+ times lol 😂 I wanna meet her and shake her hand! WOMAN HATER haha

[@johnny1897]

'Each one of those hours that ticks away they get deeper and deeper into an extremely dangerous zone" - the husband (even though himself hallucinating etc) as a responsible climber should probably have known this and immediately started the journey down with her. As he himself and others said she was lucid at times with strength, and other times she was hallucinating and could not walk. No one ones if she could have made it or not to Camp 3, but I feel like his encouragement (they said all she wanted was to listen to him) and those those "lost hours" where he summited may well have been the difference between life and death... sad story though

[@TheBlondeBomb1000]

When she said, he can continue climbing and leave her there, it's something that many people would say to their loved one, not wanting to feel responsible for being the cause of them not reaching their goal or dream. You say this (and sometimes you don't even truly mean it), and hope that the person will respond with "No, I value your life and health more than this mountain". The fact that she was so selfless in the face of deteriorating health and possible death, speaks to her character and her love for him. He, on the other hand, failed completely as a husband and human being. Sorry, I started out with total sympathy for this guy, but when he got to that part of the story, I lost it. She should have been his #1 priority. Knowing the dangers of the Everest, as all climbers do, and seeing she was incapacitated and suffering, his focus should have been on safely bringing her back down immediately. Time can make the difference between life and death up there.

[@AdHominem888]

Well said! That's it.

[@vickilund7206]

Nailed it.

[@kaapy1353]

100% felt the same..

[@thep751]

I think way too much dramatization of that moment when he went on and it could have easily been besides the point. She was already gone or on her way to her faith. They brought her down to camp 4, but she was not able to recover and climb back down from there. The couple and especially her made the choice and the risks were well known. Maybe she could have had more experience before doing it but the video did not give enough about that. I agree that he did not come out looking good, but it should not be just about that moment. They should have been more prepared and maybe understood her limit beforehand.

[@peterkariuki5140]

We said ..he ought to have been there for her

[@lazzy2012]

Climbing Everest is like playing with fire. This is sad because someone lost a life. But climbers also know the risks.

[@lazzy2012]

@B Koz “fortune and glory, fortune and glory.” - Short Round

[@Stefanie3]

Was this now, during the pandemic?

[@lazzy2012]

@@Stefanie3 I wanna say it’s older because they mentioned still removing from the devastating earthquake, which was now a quite a few years ago. Plus I didn’t see anyone in the video wearing a mask 😷. Cheers

[@Stefanie3]

@@lazzy2012 Thank you, I don't really feel like watching it.

[@lazzy2012]

@@Stefanie3 ya, it’s very sad, you can tell the husband is totally devastated.

[@evangelinewandering9547]

He had met a beautiful woman, the love of his life, who loved him too - and he left her behind, in a bad and dire condition, because of his own selfish ambitions to reach a summit?!? I have no words.

[@TucsonDude]

He shouldn't have attempted it in the first place. Why try to be a "power couple". I bet it was 90% his idea and she just played along.

[@tiberio135]

I was climbing in Peru, we were 50mt. away from reaching the summit (6,300mts) but a climber of the group from Belgium got terribly sick. With only one guide the whole group had to descend. No questions asked. Everyone understood.

[@TucsonDude]

Same with me on Mt Olympus. Not super high, but the "bergshrund" was too scary and I refused to attempt it. My partner relented and we went down less than 50' from the summit.

[@joannedavis1991]

Why anyone would put their lives at risk is such a mystery to me. Isn’t surviving regular life stressful enough?

[@blacklight310]

Just driving alone is stressful af. People dont know how to drive :/

[@lynnlao9527]

Yes .U are right..everyday life is stressfull why seek more ....I don't also understand the way of thinking of a climbers..😆

[@montinaladine3264]

So true... but always the few that think they need to prove something... come what may.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

define 'regular'?

[@joannedavis1991]

@@BobbyDazzler888 normal everyday life

[@ariadnem1]

We need to know when to quit. This is a lesson for all of us that is so important to apply to all areas of our life. Quitting doesn't make us weak, it makes us noble and requires strength of self. Bless her and her family left behind

[@brennapetersen8522]

AGREED

[@ellemmenn2930]

Some wise words

[@ganappashivaiah6064]

It struck me hearing Marisa's mom say - "I had to go to Melbourne to say Goodbye to her" those parting words are by no means happy to hear. Sad. When disaster strikes, there is an event leading to the disaster.

[@babyolman1622]

Exactly !!!

[@Proverbs--tx6yr]

@Christina Forsythe so many of you sick bastards with the spirit of lucifer running through your veins! We recognize you from miles away!

[@vkrgfan]

Don’t underestimate the Mother Nature, she always wins.

[@RockyMtnGobblers]

This guy like so many others put climbing to the top before their life and others lives.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

This is tragic, heartbreaking ... but I'm sorry buddy, leaving your wife was a big No No for me ... no way I would've left my wife, you set off together, you should've returned together. 😒 🙏

[@pauline8987]

EXACTLY! How the hell could he leave her in such deadly conditions? Beggars belief!

[@scubatravel7846]

Yeah that would explain why he feels so guilty. As a cave diver when someone turns the dive you don't ask questions, you just leave *together*. Such a shame a mission like this wouldnt share the same mentality

[@ec9833]

Remember, though... he was suffering altitude sickness without realizing it. This was a decision he never had made before, to leave her, to do anything, ever without her... & if he were of sound mind, historically/behaviorally speaking, he wouldn’t have. -Unfortunately, this is a big money maker & often, though ppl are informed of the risks, there’s still the heavy psychology of it being sold to a person. Tourists should never climb these mountains. Mountaineers might be able to climb these mountains but the amount of experience & safety as first priority, the true understanding of the depths of this reality, are far more immersed in them. That’s why you hear stories of mountaineers climbing lesser mountains for years before attempting these mountains. That’s why many have had 2, 3 attempts, turning around before ever summiting.

[@whojanson6751]

I thought this event happened last week, but that's not the case. In 2016, right? Anyone knows the specific date of her death?

[@thepianofamily8304]

or not.

[@rahel140]

"Never a quitter" unfortunately this is one of the major killers on everest. People don't listen to their sherpas when they get advised to turn back (or their advice in general). Its horrible to say but he probably shouldn't have left her to summit. Many couples have lost significant others on everest by doing this. If it's your partner or summiting, surely you'd pick the first

[@kimberleeturner8475]

That's why he feels guilty. He knows he should have quit when she did. Sad

[@rey_nemaattori]

I really wonder if it had made much difference, she was already overexerted and dying on her way up. Him not going to the summit would have resulted in a descent a few hours earlier at best. Regardless of whether it would have made the difference, the decision to press on was a bad one, no discussion possible. Personally I rather die with my wife where I am, then conquering a summit on my own, especially cuz the agreement was to climb the highest peaks together. So even if she hadn't died, his victory would be empty and possibly a cliffhanger to a second attempt with the same dangers...

[@madhatter909]

@@rey_nemaattori instead of waiting for him she should have started down immediately, that also was a mistake

[@jessicajones611]

@@madhatter909 she was too weak to walk down on her own, he needed to take her down way before :(

[@madhatter909]

@@jessicajones611 she had a sherpa with her who could have taken her down instead of waiting precious hours for her husband.

[@chosenwon5618]

RIP pretty lady, prayers and peace for her family!

[@cynthiacullen9695]

She didn’t go up the mountain thinking she was going to die, but it was a passion for her and her husband . We never know when our time will be , but to see her photos it was something she would always carry with her, even after death . What a amazing woman to even take the chance. My God her Angel Wings Must be Beautiful . May she Rest in Heaven .

[@TucsonDude]

How do you know she's in Heaven? Not everyone who dies goes to Heaven.

[@RoseLee65]

Angel wings? Lol!!! You make it sound like she lost her life for something admirable when truth be told, she was just another white, rich entitled person climbing Everest to stroke their ego! Instead, they could have used that money to feed hungry children dying in 3rd world countries! Your comment is absolutely ridiculous!

[@clairehillier9818]

Imagine being a Sherpa and having to deal with this 🤦🏼‍♀️ they have extremely tough jobs and risk their own lives to help people realize their selfish desires

[@mlgl9728]

They are professionals, highly skilled and seasoned climbers. And they get paid well for a job they like.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

@@mlgl9728 do they ever die from it?

[@nofurtherwest3474]

I think they actually like it for the money.

[@shawnaweesner3759]

Sherpa’s are paid very well for what they do. They don’t have to do this. They are not slaves. The musk ox are who I feel sorry for. They don’t have a choice.

[@soilewiirila7289]

@@nofurtherwest3474 yes they do die. They would like to study and get a safer job.

[@cynthiashannon9828]

The mountain doesn’t take people. They choose to put themselves into extreme danger and some die.

[@isitoveryet9525]

Does correcting a grieving family member make you feel better? The elements definitely “take” people…..whether they put themselves there or not.

[@davidlynch9049]

@@isitoveryet9525 He wouldn't be grieving if he had the sense to not climb Everest with her.

[@Dulcimertunes]

👏

[@wapiti3750]

The mountain takes the idiots. Those with copious amounts of gray matter generally survive because they know when to quit and turn back. It is truly survival of the fittest, both mentally and physically.

[@ProsperityEngine]

@@wapiti3750 the smart thing is to stay away from killer mountains that have taken the lives of hundreds

[@intombenhle]

Love and light to you Robert and the families involved. I've watched this twice today and it's so painful.

[@missblue4699]

💛💛💛

[@helloworld441]

Back in the 70s a married couple went up everest. They split into 2 different groups. The husb group returned to base camp(after reaching the top), saw his wife wasnt back and went back up for her. He died trying to reach her. He knew he didnt have much oxygen and weather was terrible bt he still went back for her

[@rachealfaucher4520]

did the wife survive …

[@JJ-wb6wk]

@@rachealfaucher4520 I don't think so, I've read this story somewhere

[@helloworld441]

@@rachealfaucher4520 no she died too. His body wasnt found but his rope was found near the wifes body. He died tryinf to get to her

[@NinaNina-tm2mo]

"Never a quitter".....depending on what circumstances and how much our mind and body can take, we should know when to quit.

[@bennyvontrap5843]

Exactly no one is invincible, I know my mind and body will keep going till I die so maybe don't push it huh

[@kevinrice4909]

Man has to know his limitations.

[@pallas787]

Correct...but into "Death Zone" you Lost the fully awareness and if you aren't a Pro, you aren't used to this type of issues, and the initial euphoria caused by lack of oxygen, can lead you to underestimate problems and overestimate your abilities. The Grizzled Sir explained it well into the Video...he seemed to me as an expert in these situations . But ...the "Others" know this wery well.!

[@ThatWeirdoRightThere]

@@pallas787 this is true but that’s why they have teams of experienced Sherpas there to explain the risks and inform you whether or not it’s safe for you to continue. The problem is not with altitude sickness because that is a given for almost everybody who climbs, it’s the stubbornness and inexperience of most of these people. It is important to understand how all of this stuff will affect you before you even decide to climb this mountain.

[@pallas787]

@@ThatWeirdoRightThere Yes...but those are alls "Commercial Expeditions" 💰 and are the First Economic Income for Managers ,Sherpas and Families.. So until now I have never heard that anyone has been rejected 'cause is "Unfit".... And...the same way as Marissa, are died Others 2 "Tourist Climbers"..a Swiss citizen Abdul Waraich, 40....and US citizen Puwei Liu, 55. They stay hours after hours in DZ, 'cause they are too "Slow and Fatigate" ...and they die 'cause of Hypoxy Syndrome for wich they aren't ready.....this is a Constant Situation...!!! These Expeditions should not be allowed.... but these "Customers" before starting sign a Legal Contract with the Company that Organize the Expedition in which they release them from liability in case of non-malicious events... and even choose, in cases of Tragedies concomitant with Bad Weather if their bodies must be recovered (paying an extra of about 70K $ per person) or they must be left in the mountains. ( for free) For this reason, Everest walls, have now become an open-air cemetery, with more than 100 people left up there...and now something are taken as "Trail signs" such as the famous "Green Boots" Boy.. 😭

[@jude7223]

my mum climbed the Everest when I was a child, a couple of months after the 1996 disaster, and she said that when she made it to the top, all the bodies she saw along the way only made her see how that wasn't worth it

[@constanzegoldenfels9250]

It made her see, that all this wasnt worth it? But she kept going, didnt she?

[@marioskublan7273]

@@constanzegoldenfels9250 precisely, it demonstrates just how much the ego takes over. It’s really messed up that someone would see bodies and still persist on carrying on, craving to go to the top of the world.

[@vessela7484]

@@constanzegoldenfels9250 and with a small child back home. Madness

[@lindyswing4368]

A couple of months? I don't think you can climb mount Everest at that time of year.

[@jude7223]

@@vessela7484 i think she is a badass for doing it, but you have to be prepared, she's a experienced climber, and prepared for this during years, while some people go there with no training and totally out of shape.

[@debrajones9325]

So very sad and so sorry for your loss of a beautiful soul.

[@teresaferrer4748]

The moment " we" can't go on,is the moment to go home together.

[@craigyclassics4179]

They say when you are in a life and death situations you show your true self. He left his wife to follow the selfish dream on being of top of Everest. He says he feels terrible now but in that situation he showed what he truly cared about. So you could say he got what he wanted.

[@dianamincher6479]

His caring for his wife had a hole in it-it was conditional rather than unconditional!

[@oregoncountrygirl]

🎯

[@deep-fried-zombie699]

I don’t know how I feel about this..you left your woman on the side of the tallest mountain in the world.. I would’ve never done that under any circumstance ever..

[@GoGreen1977]

Even the most experienced climbers can't get some bodies down the mountain because they could die trying.

[@Fleurae]

You probably don't know much about Mount Everest. There are tons of bodies on Mount Everest right now. It is wayyyy too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and in some cases it's impossible depending on where they fall(which is usually the case) You could risk many lives while retreating the body and you can also imagine how hard it is to carry a body down.. that's a lot of weight on top of the weight you are carrying in an area with no oxygen and high altitude/pressure. It's sad but it's literally every man for themselves especially if they fall down the mountain unfortunately. This happens every year and it expected actually. You have to sign forms before expeditions stating liability for injury/death and they also make you sign films about if you have a living will or not.

[@Lenosun]

Bro can you even realize that at 8km your brain can't even make decisions such as breathing?

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@@Fleurae - He left her when she was still alive as getting to the summit mattered more than her wellbeing. He's playing the victim for the camera here and can't even raise a real tear.

[@dianamincher6479]

He bettrayed her and she died!

[@V.E.R.O.]

Stopping something because you're in danger of dying is not being a quitter, it's being smart and saving your life so that you can try again.

[@harshalivestill4013]

this is totally heartbreaking, he shouldn't have done that.

[@paulkazakoff9231]

He made a poor decision I think. In her condition you get her OUT of the DEATH ZONE. I mean really !!!!!!!!! Your a climber aren't you trained for this kind of situation ??

[@toula888]

As soon as his wife started to struggle to keep going that was a sign to turn around and go back down. She would have been alive now.

[@michaelkensington2494]

You think its that easy to just go back down????? Did she have the strength to go back down? Did she want to wait for her husband to come back???? So easy for you to say that

[@Fiona2254]

@@michaelkensington2494 actually the amount of time she spent waiting for him made her weaker, every extra minute sick in the death zone makes the climb more deadly. And there are many stories of climbers surviving because they turned back when they realized they were suffering from high altitude illness. If she'd turned back sooner she'd have gotten help and would likely had been able to recuperate a little in 4th camp and made it to 3rd in way better shape if she'd turned back when it was apparent she couldn't sumit.

[@piespies10]

@@Fiona2254 I heard that too.. they said you shouldnt be sleeping and you need to stay awake and keep moving cus once you stop to rest and close your eyes ... thats over.

[@jimmyboy131]

@@michaelkensington2494 That's when you turn around and go back down, not sit there and wait until someone else continues on.

[@jennyray1476]

I agree , anyone climbing Everest knows you don't stop and once you do , you have a small window of opportunity to turn around, he shouldn't have continued and left her

[@RyanB1987]

They need to stop giving out permits for basically anyone who has the money to pay and are totally unqualified to climb Everest. How much longer till there are too many corpses cluttering the route to even climb it?

[@Muggles87]

It's getting pretty close already - there are thought to be over 300 who have died up there. For the majority, whose families can't afford to bring them down, they are often quietly slid out of the way or rolled over the ridge. Some have become landmarks though, too frozen in the ice to be moved.

[@TheJer1963]

There are no bodies left that climbers can see. They have all been buried under rocks, pushed over the side or people refuse to brought down. Even Green boots has been missing since 214. I don't know why people refuse to do just a little research. Just Google Everest clean up.

[@idtmpk]

They dont care, they need money, nepal is poor country

[@anovemberstar]

its unethical yes, however, the other side of it is, Nepal is an extremely poor country, and this brings in hundreds of thousands of $, of which the locals depend on to survive. .. of course, authorities are said to pocket most of the profits ... but to stop the treks, it needs to be replaced with something else for the locals. no doubt the authorities think the tourists are just plain crazy, too many of them being far too inexperienced to do it and not die. they probably laugh all the way to the bank ...

[@alexandraalbertz1442]

@@Muggles87 they sign a form saying what they want to hapoen with their body if they die on the mountain. And in most cases it s impossible to bring a body down.

[@lostallhope675]

You really find out what person you married, when things really go south! It's not like he didn't have an option. Even people who don't have options find ways to rescue or safe their loved ones.

[@SK-lt1so]

My wife and I went on bike trip the other day. It was very hot. We rode just a few miles and she said "it's too hot". We both stopped and went back home.

[@stonew1927]

An acquaintance of mine just summitted Everest a couple of weeks ago. It was his second time trying. Last time was last year, when 8 or 9 people died the day before he was to summit. The logjam was too long for him to make it safely to the top so he and his guide decided to not risk it. It saved his life and he was able to try again and succeed this time around.

[@naybellab2011]

"Just natural for me to blame myself" You think?? Anytime you ever talk about how you made the summit of mount Everest and sacrificed your wife to do it. It's expected that you have guilt and feel at fault!

[@karmakissick4960]

I don’t understand how after he reached the top and got back down to her…how would he let himself get separated from her?? I don’t see how that is possible if u don’t want it to happen…

[@susandhays1640]

Love and light always in my prayers for you it's not easy to lose a loved one been there not the way she went but love and light to you and your family. Miss Susie Lebanon Oregon

[@gonzalodequesada1981]

Interesting how he says that reaching the summit was not special for him because she was not there with him but he didn't mind leaving her behind to fulfill his goal instead of return together ....

[@joannemates6367]

It’s called “The Death Zone” for a reason!! Sadly, she paid the ultimate price. Maybe some mountains just aren’t meant to be climbed. Such a tragic loss of life. RIP Marisa. X

[@sidhayes6168]

Not meant to be climbed? That's funny.

[@edfederoff2679]

I kinda agree - not meant to be climbed by some people.

[@angelamaria2239]

Yessss! “Death Zone!!”

[@joshg2603]

“Summit fever” is a strange thing. No other place in the world, would you leave a loved one that is weak and slowly dying. But that urge to get to the top after so many hours of hard work. Gets to people.

[@johnwright3426]

She would of died anyway, she had altitude sickness and didn’t have the energy to get down.

[@Ineffable1111]

It is something I for one in my warm home cannot understand and it really makes you realize how Summit fever is real. Along with poor decisions from altitude sickness it all makes for a perfect storm of disaster.

[@kingart23]

Imagine summiting Everest but probably you will never ever will want to talk about it. Sad experience, condolences to the family and friends.

[@MissIrishdoll]

This is sad but he left her to get to the top, using his energy to get to the top, left her waiting on him in the death zone ....then loses her on the way down....

[@Serendipity818]

Dying to climb these mountains is crazy so many people dying every year it has turned into a giant grave yard and garbage dump so 😥sad

[@mjrussell414]

It is sad and disgusting that we are polluting a formerly pristine environment. Effort should be made to clean it up as part of the fees to climb it if people must be so ridiculous.

[@lks6248]

Very sad for him. Death of a loved one like that is so inconceivable you can’t even wrap your head around the possibility. If we could we would all act differently

[@shykur]

My friend was about to summit Everest a few years ago. Strangely her Sherpa and team leader felt uneasy, told the entire team they need to stop and turn around and head back off the mountain. Of course the were all pissed off after paying $50K each and not having the chance to summit. Well Little did they know, the next few days an avalanche hit the mountain killing climbers. She told me to be prepared at any lengths to quit the climb, but also be prepared to die on your journey to Sagarmatha. The mountain was never meant to be mountain climbed on. Know your limits and stay together

[@valentin1028]

The correct decision for him would have been to immediately accompany her down to base camp when she start feeling so badly at that high altitude. Instead, he said, "do you mind if I go on without you?" Sorry but this is the reality of the situation.

[@BeastandBird]

Can't walk, he left her.... Time is critical they say, and yet he was happy to leave her there.... 6 people had to carry her. So they risk their lives and energy carrying her. They should have turned back together when they knew she couldn't make it.

[@TheDollyce]

Isn't her body still up there?

[@BeastandBird]

@@TheDollyce my point is 6 people carried her down to the next camp while she was still alive in a bid to save her. If they had simply turned back earlier all that may have been prevented, including her death.

[@TheDollyce]

@@BeastandBird So true! Her death was totally avoidable by going down as soon as it was clear that she was compromised. But who was qualified to realize she was compromised? Certainly NOT HER. Who then? If they’d had a expedition leader in ABC looking at their time, their progress…or lack of progress…he could have called the shot. But I don’t think these kids had a professional expedition leader. It was the blind leading the blind. It was a trainwreck, and this lovely young woman paid with her life. There are no “do overs” on the mountain. It’s forever.

[@BeastandBird]

@@TheDollyce her husband had summit fever. He wasn't going to be happy until he got to the top. He should have known she was compromised and on death's door. His selfishness cost her everything, her willingness to allow him to reach their goal is a testament to her character, him leaving her is a damning indictment of his.

[@TheDollyce]

@@BeastandBird You’re right. But I wonder about his own high altitude impairment. I just don’t think he was 100%. He was not thinking clearly. Regardless, he’ll have the rest of his life to blame her death on himself. He barely made it down alive, collapsing in the snow, laying down trying to sleep. He was blessed with better physiology than her. He acclimatized more efficiently than her physiology did. I read they were both experienced climbers, they were young, healthy.

[@nikkihayes9236]

RIP/H Marisa🕊 God bless and keep her husband and family.🙏😇💖

[@Kabura437]

It's heartbreaking. May God comfort the family and the poor husband.

[@TUNTALKS]

I’d never forgive him if he’d have left my daughter on the side of a mountain! NEVER!

[@itr0863]

I thought of my father-in-law the whole time I was watching this lol. Notice how the video only showed the mother-in-law but not Father In Law. If they had a track record of conquered Summits leading up to Everest and I would have more sympathy but it seems like they had no business being there.

[@RollTide24-7]

Amen!

[@indellindel9334]

@@itr0863 fact

[@phoenixkb134]

Beautifully said and absolutely correct!

[@stargater2892]

She made her choice.

[@sparemethedramatics1629]

Everest didn’t take a life, those people took their own lives

[@davidearea242]

Spare me the dramatics-It sounds harsh but you're absolutely correct. If they did do everything together as he points out repeatedly, it should be have been a case of both summiting together or not, and trying again some other time.

[@keannureeves7128]

The husband is just too ambitious and idiot...doing things together?He should have quitted seeing her wife's life is in danger...instead left her...what a way to go man...you will be forever haunted by that...as seen on your face now...Is it worth it?

[@Strikeshotz]

Forrealz

[@janetflier6192]

She might not have been a “quitter”, but she still failed!

[@trinitytokyo427]

Exactly

[@Proverbs--tx6yr]

You can’t look at pictures because you know…you let the basic human instinct be second to “living your best life” thats man’s heart now…not all but many

[@sinlou6518]

I am by no means a hiker, yet an outdoor type of girl but it seems to me that there's some type of moral obligation to stick together, never separate and help the weaker hiker.. It's not who makes it to the top that makes one a better human being, one wins bragging rights. It should be the overall experience of pushing not only yourself but your fellow hiker, hikers to excellence..

[@pillowtalkalonetogether5143]

Why did he not stay with his wife? "We do everything together."

[@Mahmoud1539]

Exactly... Was the most important thing he said I believe... so sad..

[@rubyhiu9230]

I think he said in this video that his wife gave him the blessing to go on.

[@truejayoh]

@@rubyhiu9230 we all know that's bullshit. His ego to reach the top was so much greater than his fiance's well being. Very selfish. I don't feel bad for either of them. They knew all the risks. She died doing what she loved.

[@Motswako]

@@truejayoh exactly she lived her life to the fullest according to people who engage in these sort of activities

[@victoriamayo5774]

I bet he has a huge life insurance policy on her

[@chrispoe8404]

Very sad, but as a man protecting his wife/family is a higher priority than mountain climbing for personal satisfaction. She didn’t have to die on Everest and he didn’t need to lose her for this. Very sad indeed. Also can’t understand how he even left her side in the “death zone”? If the word “death zone” doesn’t deter you or motivate you to stay with her, you get what you asked for really. Responsibility is something people are losing worldwide.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

The lack of oxygen in the death zone interferes with people's ability to think, and thay can make bad choices. So many have died on the way down. A safer trip company would have someone outside the Death Zone where they can think clearly insisting that customers turn around at the cutoff time.

[@mohammedibrar3299]

Your wife’s life is more important than reaching the top of Everest. It’s a silly sport mount climbing

[@shawnaweesner3759]

@@a.w.thompson4001 Obviously, his lack of oxygen didn’t deter him from asking his wife for her blessing to summit alone! Really, we should not have to give excuses for this man-child’s selfishness.

[@shawnaweesner3759]

@@mohammedibrar3299 I think it’s a selfish sport. I mean, all you have to do is look at the state the rich yuppies have left the mountain in.

[@montinaladine3264]

After reading all these truthful comments I'm beginning to wonder if this story would have been created by the network if he had not gone on ahead and left his wife.

[@PeaceOverHate55]

To have love that true. RIP Beautiful Soul

[@dancollins9836]

My prayers go out to Scott Fisher's soul and to his surviving family.

[@RanchoBellaVista503]

This guy got "separated"? This video made me realize my husband freaking loves me. We were climbing a volcano in El Salvador (Santa Ana), 20 minutes before we got to the top I was ready to quit, I was exhausted and said to him "Go on without me, I'll be here waiting for you." He looked at me and said I'm staying with you. I made it to the top because of him, he never left my side.

[@GTWOODROW]

“ We do everything together but is it ok if I go on to the summit without you?? “ . He should have stayed with her like your husband did.

[@vkrgfan]

She loves him unfortunately, he didn’t love her as much as he loved adventure.

[@MartinShannonHayes]

Everest is now an ego project of people with lots of money and relatively little experience depending on Sherpas “carrying” them up and down the summit. This is as tragic as it is predictable and is becoming a common occurrence. Everest isn’t for amateurs, but that doesn’t stop amateurs with money finding it irresistible as a photo and ego exercise. It’s about as safe as cave diving for the untrained and unqualified.

[@blingmeblingme101]

Very well said. And, she wasn't the only one to die - at 13:20 we hear that another climber, Eric died. It is ludicrous that people are putting themselves and the Sherpas at risk. There is so much footage available to us showing the Sherpas literally carrying people up and down Everest, nearly killing themselves in the process. "She would only take instructions from Rob" - but Rob left her to dying so he could get to the top. I don't care what the "buzz" at the top of that mountain is, it is not worth the life of my worst enemy, let alone that of my wife.

[@AnnaCN78456]

Well said

[@kimmyklo7848]

Spot on.

[@Athena124]

True, but even the best climbers die up there. It is unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

[@slowazzes1972]

Mount Everest is just a giant amusement park, I wouldn’t want to go even if i was paid too. Most people die by standing in a line for hours, its just Disney land without the rides and longer lines.

[@natalie9884]

I’ve never seen a man so broken. This is heartbreaking

[@Jeff9202]

As someone who's lived at near sea level over 40 years, but grew up all that time camping in the southern San Juan Mountains of Colorado for a few weeks every summer, wow. Took me 2 aborted attempts due to weather just to bag Mt. Hope which is only about 12,500'. And I would have tried it anyway the 1st 2 times had I not had my pup/hiking partner with me. Thanks Bella for all the memories and keeping me in common sense. ❤️

[@miNEcraft7724]

You really asked her if you can leave her and go on, leaving her alone and tired, while you climb....i am so sorry for the girl. You literally left her to die.

[@stevenconrad2041]

I agree. He abandoned her. Pure, plain and simple!

[@ACEVella]

I'd be fuming if my man left me behind when I was struggling. But he's now got to live with this for the rest of his life. Rest in peace lady.

[@herbert9241]

I bet you would have summoned the strength to throw some plant pots and crockery at him. Ha ha!

[@ACEVella]

@@herbert9241 hahaha that made me chuckle

[@christopherzaragoza]

This video makes me extremely sad. The pain in his voice is super sad and the pain in his eyes is just very hurtful

[@highhimalayas6831]

My heartfelt condolences