Discovery of British Climber’s Remains May Uncover Everest’s Greatest Secret
A foot believed to belong to British climber Andrew “Sandy” Irvine, who vanished nearly 100 years ago on Mount Everest, has been discovered, potentially solving one of mountaineering’s most enduring mysteries. The find, made by a team of climbers filming a National Geographic documentary, has sparked renewed hope in unraveling Irvine’s fate.
Rediscovery of the lost expedition
Irvine was just 22 years old when he disappeared in June 1924 while attempting to summit Everest alongside his climbing partner, George Mallory. The pair was last seen on June 8, 1924, making their final push toward the peak, and since then, their disappearance has intrigued the climbing community. While Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999, Irvine’s remains had never been found—until now.
The fortuitous find
The discovery occurred last month on the Central Rongbuk Glacier as the team descended Everest’s north face. They stumbled upon the foot, encased in a boot with the words “A.C. Irvine” embroidered on its sock. Adventurer Jimmy Chin, leading the expedition, described the moment as “monumental and emotional.”
“I mean, dude… there’s a label on it,” Chin said, expressing confidence in the foot’s identity.
DNA testing to confirm identity
The team has handed over the foot to Chinese mountaineering authorities amid concerns that ravens might disturb it. British authorities are now conducting DNA testing to officially verify the identity of the remains.
The location of Irvine’s body could hold crucial evidence about whether he and Mallory were the first to reach the summit of Everest, 29 years before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful climb in 1953. Irvine was rumored to have carried a camera with undeveloped film that might prove their ascent.
Family reaction
Julie Summers, a descendant of Irvine, shared her emotional response to the discovery, stating, “I was moved to tears when Mr. Chin told me about the discovery. It was and will remain an extraordinary and poignant moment.”
The find has reignited interest in one of mountaineering’s greatest debates: Did Mallory and Irvine reach the top of Everest before their tragic demise? For now, the mystery endures, but with renewed hope that these latest clues may bring the climbing world closer to a definitive answer.