They were chasing a record: an avalanche cost the lives of two climbers
Two climbers named Anna Gutu and Gina Marie Rzucidlo were separately trying to become the first American women to climb all 14 of the world’s peaks when an avalanche hit Mount Shishapangma, according to the New York Times.
Gutu’s death along with his Nepalese guide on Sunday was confirmed by Chinese state news agency Xinhua, citing the region’s sports office.
Gina Marie Rzucidlo…
Rzucdilo was found dead along with his Nepalese guide by Chinese authorities on Monday, his sister said on Facebook, prompting China to close Mount Shishapangma for the season due to unsafe snow conditions.
Anna Gutu…
Rzucidlo said: “The Chinese government rejected Nepal’s requests to conduct a helicopter search. “We have been told that the search for their bodies could resume in spring, when weather conditions are suitable.” he added.
Rzucdilo was just 264 meters from the summit when the avalanche occurred, according to Xinhua.
Her mother also told the New York Times that her daughter had climbed five peaks over 8,000 meters this year and eight in previous years.
“DAMN TO WOMEN CLIMBERS”
Gutu also wrote about his adventures on Instagram, including mountaineering, skydiving, and paragliding. In early August, he posted a photo of himself atop K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, located between China and Pakistan.
Gutu said in the post that the mountain is known to carry a “curse” for female climbers and said: “I am happy to see that many female climbers have broken this curse in recent years.”
According to NBC News, a total of 52 climbers from the United States, England, Romania, Albania, Italy, Japan and Pakistan were attempting to reach the summit when the avalanche occurred.
The mountain, which is the 14th highest peak in the world, has been successfully climbed more than 300 times. According to Reuters, less than 10 percent of climbers lost their lives attempting to climb.