David Sharp (15 February 1972 – 15 May 2006)

Oil and tempera on canvas

2010, 40 * 50 cm

David Sharp (15 February 1972 – 15 May 2006) was an English climber who died near the summit of Mount Everest after possibly reaching the summit of Mount Everest on his third attempt. His death caused controversy and debate, because he was passed by a number of other climbers heading to and returning from the summit.

New Zealand double-amputee climber Mark Inglis revealed in an interview on 23 May 2006 that David Sharp had died, and that he had been passed by 40 other climbers heading for the summit who made no attempt at a rescue. Sharp died under a rock overhang known as “Green Boots Cave“, alongside the main climbing trail approximately 450 m (1,480 ft) (elevation) below the summit and 250 m (820 ft) (elevation) above Camp 4. Climbing solo without oxygen the mountaineer had made an attempt to reach the summit during the late afternoon and presumably reaching it, had descended during one of the coldest nights of the year.

David Sharp’s portrait is part of the “Top of the world” series.

Source: Wikipedia