Early on 21 May 2024, a cornice of snow overhanging the Kangshung Face collapsed near the Hillary Step, just below the summit of Everest, as a long line of climbers moved along the ridge. Several fell but were held by the fixed rope. British climber Daniel Paterson, 40, and his guide Pas Tenji Sherpa, 23, fell and were never found.
In short: The same week, Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui, attempting Everest without oxygen, and his guide Nawang Sherpa died near the summit. Eight people died on Everest in spring 2024.
Crowds on the ridge
The accident renewed concern about queues on summit days, as in the 2019 traffic jam. Most expeditions now spread summit days and use weather forecasting to avoid crowds.