An American climber has died in her partner’s arms after an avalanche struck high on Mount Makalu in Nepal, one of the world’s tallest mountains. Shelley Johannesen, 53, from Oregon, was descending from the summit on Monday when the avalanche hit at about 7,315 metres above sea level.
Johannesen was climbing with her partner Dave Ashley and two Nepali guides. In a social media statement, Ashley said, “I am heartbroken to share that my beloved Shelley Johannesen passed away in the early morning hours on Nepal’s Mount Makalu on Monday. She died in my arms high on the mountain due to injuries sustained from an avalanche.”
According to reports in The Kathmandu Post, medics attempted to save the mother of three at the scene, but she died from her injuries on the mountain. Johannesen co-founded US adventure company Dash Adventures and described herself as a high-altitude climber and adventurer.
Friends and fellow climbers paid tribute to the experienced mountaineer. Ashley added, “Shelley was not just an incredible person, but lived her life with no limits and chased her passions around the world.”
