One of the world’s most famous climbers, Ueli Steck – known as the Swiss Machine due to his speed – has died after slipping and falling 1,000 metres near Mount Everest.
Steck, 40, died after falling to the foot of Mount Nuptse, which is a smaller peak in the area. He was planning to climb Everest and and nearby Mount Lhotse next month. A statement on Steck’s website confirmed the accident, and asked media to avoid speculating on his death:
The family is infinitely sad and asks that the media refrain from speculating about his death out of respect and consideration for Ueli. As soon as reliable information about Ueli Steck’s death becomes available, the media will be informed.
Steck was renowned for his speed climbing. In 2015, he climbed all 82 peaks in the Alps higher than 4,000 meters in just 62 days, travelling between mountains by foot, bike and paraglider.
Steck is the first casualty of the mountaineering season in Nepal.
Source: ABC.
Photo: Getty Images.
