Polish mountaineer Pawel Kopec dies on Pakistan’s ‘killer mountain’ | Bat N Ball
Polish mountaineer Pawel Kopec dies on Pakistan’s ‘killer mountain’ | Bat N Ball
Polish adventurer Pawel Tomasz Kopec has tragically lost his life following a successful ascent of the world's ninth-tallest summit, announced officials on Tuesday. This unfortunate incident marks the first fatality reported during Pakistan's climbing season.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan revealed that Pawel Tomasz Kopec passed away on Monday due to the severe effects of "acute altitude sickness" while descending from the treacherous Nanga Parbat, towering at an awe-inspiring elevation of 8,125 meters (26,656 feet). Known for its deadly nature, this mountain claims the lives of approximately one in every five climbers who dare to conquer it.
Pakistan boasts the presence of five out of the world's 14 majestic peaks surpassing the remarkable altitude of 8,000 meters. Among them, the Himalayan jewel Nanga Parbat has gained the moniker "killer mountain" as over 30 individuals met their demise in their quest to conquer it before the historic successful summit in 1953.
The lifeless body of Pawel Kopec currently remains at a challenging altitude of 7,400 meters, as confirmed by Karrar Haidari, the secretary of the esteemed Alpine Club.
"Regrettably, it is unfeasible to retrieve the body from the higher camps," he informed AFP. "The helicopters are incapable of reaching that location."
He further added, "Now, the responsibility lies with Pawel's family and friends, who might opt to organize a private expedition for the recovery of his mortal remains."
Pawel Kopec, aged 38, was an esteemed member of the Swietokrzyski mountaineering club. Nanga Parbat marked the courageous climber's second triumph over an 8,000-meter summit.
"Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price to attain this remarkable feat," expressed a close friend named Mateusz in a heartfelt tribute posted on Kopec's Facebook page.
"The mountains have perpetually been a compelling force in Pawel's life, a passion that consumed him completely. Today, these mountains have claimed his existence as their own," Mateusz wrote. "Nevertheless, we firmly believe that the indomitable spirit that fueled Pawel will endure as an inspiration for all of us to tirelessly pursue our dreams."
During the same period, Pakistani mountaineer Asif Bhatti and his climbing partner Fazal Ali also encountered grave difficulties during their ascent of Nanga Parbat. Bhatti suffered from snow blindness, leading to their stranding at one of the higher camps on the summit. However, according to Karakorum Expeditions, who are actively involved in their rescue operation, the courageous duo resumed their descent on Tuesday.
The summer climbing season officially commenced in early June and will persist until late August, attracting adventurers from around the world to the magnificent Pakistani peaks.
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