Decisions
Friends, Family, and Greater Climbing Community,
As you all know the recent days and events have been very difficult for us all.
The Alpine Ascents’ Sherpa, guides and staff have had time to reflect after the loss of five Sherpa team members and eleven others from the Sherpa community. We have all agreed the best thing is to not continue this season’s climb, so that all can mourn the loss of family, friends and comrades in this unprecedented tragedy.
We are grateful for the understanding of our compassionate team members and want to thank all of the people who have shared condolences and support in this difficult time.
It is our hope that time and support will allow the necessary healing for the Sherpa community.
Sincerely,
Alpine Ascents International Everest 2014
Challenges
Namaste Everyone,
The last two days have been some of the most challenging we have ever faced on this mountain. The tragedy and loss for the Sherpa community cannot be put into words.
Our team all shares a deep respect for the Sherpa who work so hard to make this climb possible. We are grieving for our lost Sherpa, their families and doing our best to support our Sherpa team and each other.
The human aspect of this journey weighs heavily upon us all now. We have an incredible team of Sherpa and an incredible team of climbers. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your concerns, thoughts and prayers.
Those of you who are interested in helping the Sherpa community with this tragedy can utilize these resources:
Sherpa Education Fund
www.sherpaedfund.org
Juniper Fund
www.thejuniperfund.org
The American Alpine Club Sherpa Support Fund
Michael, Eric, Lakpa Rita, Joe and the whole climbing team
Everest Update
Our heartfelt condolences to the families of our fellow Sherpa climbers listed below, who were lost in the avalanche.
Nima Sherpa from Thak Sindu
Mingma Nuru Sherpa from Phurte
Ang Tshering Sherpa from Thamo
Tenzing Chottar Sherpa from Yelajung
Dorje Sherpa from Tarnag
Everest Update
Our thanks for all the kind words and sympathies in helping all of us and family members grieve during this tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family members of our brethren climbers.
It may be as many as 16 climbing Sherpa that were lost – including 5 dear Sherpa friends from the Alpine Ascents team.
We are waiting for confirmation the names of the Sherpa who were lost. We hope to have individual names up shortly as I abhor just using the general term Sherpa, but felt the need to post an update.
Again, my thanks to all who have reached out!
Gordon
Gordon Janow
Director of Programs
Alpine Ascents International
206-378-1927
Update from Nepal
We have heard from Base Camp of an accident in the Khumbu Icefall involving Sherpa staff from a number of teams including Alpine Ascents. We hope to have more information to post in the morning.
Gordon Janow
Director of Programs
Alpine Ascents International
I have to write a short note to you complementing you on your excellent group of employees on the 2002 Everest Expedition. With such a large logistical problem at hand the only solution is a group of talented, hard working people that can overcome obstacles.
