An experienced American climber died in her partner’s arms in Nepal after being swept up in an avalanche while climbing the world’s fifth-tallest peak.
Shelley Johannesen, a mom of three from Oregon, was killed as she was descending from the summit of Mount Makalu on Monday.
The 53-year-old, who was a co-founder of the US-based outfitter Dash Adventures, was with her partner and two Nepali guides at the time.
“I am heartbroken to share that my beloved Shelley Johannesen passed away in the early morning hours on Nepal’s Mount Makalu on Monday,” her partner, Dave Ashley, said in a social media statement.
“She died in my arms high on the mountain due to injuries sustained from an avalanche at approximately 24,000 feet.”
Johannesen, a self-described high altitude mountaineer, had only just reached the mountain’s peak when the avalanche struck.
She died at the scene as she was being treated by medics, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Her body was later flown to a hospital in Kathmandu.
“Shelley was not just an incredible person, but lived her life with no limits and chased her passions around the world,” her partner said.
