IRISH DAD DIES DURING EVEREST CLIMB TRAGEDY
Kevin Hynes A DAD of two has died while attempting to climb Everest – a week after another Irishman went missing on the world’s highest peak.
Kevin Hynes was part of a group from climbing company 360 Expeditions attempting to scale the 8,848m summit.
The 56-year-old from Galway approached Mount Everest from the Tibetan (North) side on Friday morning.
In a statement, 360 Expeditions said: “Kevin was one of the strongest and most experienced climbers on our team and had previously summited Everest South and Lhotse.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs official confirmed the fatal accident.
They said: “The Department is aware of reports of the death of an Irish citizen on the north slopes of Mount Everest.
“We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
Kevin had reached Camp Three at 8,300m on Wednesday. According to the Himalayan Times, he passed away in his tent at the North Col at 7,000m in the early hours (Nepali time which is five hours and 45 minutes ahead of Ireland) yesterday morning.
Efforts are under way to bring his body to base camp, officials said.
Pat Falvey, who is the only Irish person to successfully ascend Mount Everest from the north and south faces twice, said: “I can confirm Mr Hynes died on Everest.
“It appears he altitude sickness.”
The tragic news comes a week after dad-of-one Seamus Lawless, from Bray, Co Wicklow went missing after falling up to 500m from the Balcony area in temperatures of -27C. He had successfully sumitted the mountain just hours before. A recovery operation is continuing. died from