Last words to lost son: ‘I’ll always love you’
The grieving mother of a South Australian man who died while hiking Mount Everest has revealed their final conversation.
Gill Kennison said the last exchange she had with her son Jason Kennison was a simple reminder to “take it easy” and stay safe.
“He said: ‘I’ll see you when I get back,’ ” an emotional Mrs Kennison said.
“And I said: ‘Well take care Jason and take it easy, and just remember, I’ll always love you.’ That was the last words we said.”
Mr Kennison’s brother Adrian paid tribute to Jason’s spirit of adventure.
“We are so proud of his achievements and we take great solace in knowing he made it to the summit of the highest place on this planet,” he said.
Mr Kennison is the 10th person to perish on the world’s tallest peak this season.
In a tribute posted by his family on Monday the adventurer is seen in a photo with his fist raised in the air amid snow-capped mountains.
“Jason was one to live a full life. He would put his mind to something, set a goal and achieve it. Whether that be playing footy as a kid, winning motocross races, working around the world in the mining industry and in high risk environments,” the family statement said.
“He did all the training he could in preparation to achieving his new goal: climbing to the top of Everest. We are so proud of his achievements and we take great solace in knowing he made it to the summit. The highest place on this earth.
“We would like to send our greatest love and thanks to Nepal, where he had Sherpas go above and beyond to help try to bring him home.
“We are worlds apart but united through our love for Jason. He was the beloved son of Jock and Gill, and brother to five siblings. His family are heartbroken and he will be forever missed.”
Mr Kennison had documented his climb on Instagram.