On 30 April 2017, the Swiss climber Ueli Steck, known as the "Swiss Machine" for his record-breaking speed ascents in the Alps and the Himalaya, died in a fall on the slopes of Nuptse, near Everest. He was 40 and was acclimatising for an ambitious attempt to traverse Everest and Lhotse.
In short: Ueli Steck, one of the world's most famous alpinists, fell to his death on 30 April 2017 while acclimatising alone near Camp 1 on Nuptse. His death shocked the climbing world.
Who was Ueli Steck?
Steck set speed records on the great north faces of the Alps and made bold solo climbs in the Himalaya, including a fast solo ascent of the south face of Annapurna. He was admired for his fitness, vision and humility, and had many friends among Nepal's climbing community.
His legacy
Steck's death was a reminder that even the most skilled climbers face serious risks in the high Himalaya.