A deadly decent on Everest

In 1998, at 41 years old, Francys Arsentiev, a Hawaiian native, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first American woman to conquer Mount Everest's summit without supplemental oxygen. Accompanied by her husband, Sergei, the Northeast Ridge ascent took its toll. During the descent in darkness, they became separated. Concerned when Francys didn't arrive at the first camp, Sergei, thinking she was ahead, gathered supplies and ventured back up the ridge at dawn. The ensuing 48 hours were exceptionally challenging, even by Everest standards.

In a grim turn of events, an Uzbek team discovered Arsientiev high on the North Face, frostbitten and semi-conscious. Despite their hour-long efforts to revive her, they ultimately had to leave. A similar encounter unfolded when Cathy O’Dowd and Ian Woodall crossed paths with Arsientiev during their ascent. Revival attempts proved futile, yet she remained alive. By the third day, passing climbers sadly reported Arsentiev's demise. Nearby lay Sergei's rope and ice ax, but no sign of Sergei himself. His body was discovered years later, lower on the North Face, suggesting a tragic fall while attempting to save his wife