Australian man reportedly dies on Mt Everest
Queenslander Francesco Enrico Marchetti has reportedly dies on Mt Everest. Photo: Facebook
An Australian man has reportedly died while descending Mt Everest.
The 54-year-old, named as Queenslander Francesco Enrico Marchetti, was climbing down to some lower camps from the North Col route on Sunday morning, the Himalayan Times reported.
Mr Marchetti, from Mackay in central Queensland, appeared to be an experienced climber, with many pictures on his social media pages depicting him climbing and hiking with his wife.
Mr Marchetti and his wife Sandy’s 2015 attempt to climb Everest was foiled by an earthquake in Nepal.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the death was devastating news.
“I have known Frank for over thirty years.
He is amongst the most principled, honest, driven men I have ever met,” Mayor Williams wrote on his Facebook page.
“Franks (sic) goal was to get to the top. According to the reports his death was on decent from the summit – so hopefully he made it,” Mayor Williams said.
Mackay residents responded to the post by remembering Mr Marchetti as an honourable and driven man.
“Our community is a poorer place today with the loss of Frank,” said family friend Kylie Porter.
“RIP to such a local icon,” wrote Carissa Mansfield.
An American doctor and a Slovak mountaineer also died in separate incidents near the summit of Everest on Sunday.
Search operations continue for an Indian climber who hasn’t been seen since Saturday.
– AAP