By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the 1953 Mount Everest expedition, has passed away at the age of 92.
He died peacefully at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu, on Thursday, according to the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
The Nepal Mountaineering Association described Sherpa as a “historic and legendary figure” who played a crucial role in the iconic expedition.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first successful summit of Mount Everest in 1953,” said Fur Gelje Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “His absence leaves an irreplaceable loss… He will be dearly missed.”
Kanchha Sherpa was part of the 35-member team that supported Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic climb to the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.
Although he didn’t reach the summit himself, citing his wife’s concerns about the risks, Sherpa served as a high-altitude porter and reached the final camp before the summit.
Born in 1933 in the village of Namche in the Everest foothills, Sherpa began mountaineering at 19 and remained active in the expedition sector until the age of 50.
He later expressed mixed feelings about the impact of tourism on the mountain’s environment and urged people to respect the mountain, revered as the mother goddess Qomolangma among the Sherpas.
Sherpa’s family said he had been experiencing throat issues but had no major health problems. “He had some issues with his throat recently. Otherwise, he had no major health issue for a person of his age,” his grandson, Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa, said.
Kanchha Sherpa is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters, and grandchildren.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
