South Africa tour of India 2019
Hyderabad techie dies on Mount Everest
Hyderabad-based software professional Arun Kumar Tiwari died while descending Mount Everest after successfully reaching the summit.
The 53-year-old climber collapsed near the Hillary Step at an altitude of around 8,790 metres. Reports said he began vomiting blood during the descent and died despite Sherpas trying to provide oxygen support.
Expedition organiser Pioneer Adventure explained that recovering bodies from above 8,000 metres, known as the “death zone,” is extremely risky and expensive. Initially, the company estimated recovery costs at over Rs 1 crore before reducing the amount slightly.
Rescue operations at such altitudes require several Sherpas, take multiple days, and expose rescuers to avalanches, freezing temperatures, and low oxygen levels. Helicopters cannot operate effectively above Camp II, making recovery even more difficult.
Tiwari’s family decided not to attempt retrieval of his body, stating the decision was based not only on cost but also on spiritual beliefs. His relatives said they viewed the Himalayas as the abode of Lord Shiva and considered his death a form of spiritual samadhi. Tiwari had attempted Everest previously and is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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