A 39-year-old American climber Alexander Pancoe died while attempting to scale Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, Nepalese authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Pancoe from Chicago suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday during his descent from Camp Three to Camp Two at approximately 7,400 metres above sea level. Recovery teams are currently working to transport his body to Kathmandu, officials stated.
Mount Makalu, standing at 8,485 metres, is renowned for its steep ridges and extreme weather, posing significant risks even for experienced climbers. Pancoe’s death underscores the perilous nature of high-altitude expeditions, where altitude-related illnesses and cardiovascular strain remain leading causes of fatalities.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism noted that the climber was part of a permitted expedition, though further details about his team or itinerary have not been disclosed.
The incident occurred during Nepal’s spring mountaineering season, which runs from March until the end of May, ahead of the monsoon rains that render climbing conditions hazardous. Hundreds of international climbers and local guides flock to the Himalayas during this period, with Mount Makalu attracting fewer ascents compared to Everest or K2 due to its technical difficulty.
