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Tributes are flowing for West Australian mountaineer Chin-Tark Chan, who died while climbing one of the highest peaks in Nepal after falling ill.
Chin-Tark ‘Chinny’ Chan died on Wednesday while climbing up Himlung Himal – standing at 7126 metres tall in the Annapurna range, near the Tibetan border.
Perth man Chin-Tark Chan had a passion for climbing – often in Nepal. Credit: Facebook
Expedition organiser 8K Expeditions said the 49-year-old fell ill during his ascent and was being helped back down the mountain by guides when he collapsed at about 6500 metres.
He could not be revived.
Evacuation provider Global Rescue said they had been unable to send a helicopter up when Chan first became ill, at around 6800 metres, on October 27.
“At that elevation, any airborne longline or hover rescue would have required a helicopter to operate above the maximum operating altitude set by Nepal aviation regulations, creating unacceptable risk to the pilot, the climber and the rescue team,” it said.
“We therefore advised and instructed the guides to assist a descent to Camp 3, the nearest safe helicopter landing zone.”
They said the expedition operator had independently launched a helicopter for a “highly risky, hover attempt, which failed due to adverse weather conditions”.
The next day, on October 28, weather conditions remained unsafe for a helicopter to launch, and on October 29 29 national civil aviation authorities imposed a temporary ground stop on all helicopter flights following a crash.
“Tragically, before a safe weather window presented, the client died below Camp 3,” the Global Rescue statement read.
Friends of Chan have taken to social media over the weekend to remember him.
Mirellie Human said Chan had died just one day before his 50th birthday.
“Your lifelong passion for climbing mountains was admirable – I was always in awe of this and loved what you achieved,” she said.
“You were so intelligent and funny and kind, with such a charismatic nature which was priceless, and you made us all smile and laugh so much all the time.
“My heart is broken and my head unable to comprehend this.”
A fundraiser for Chan has raised over $7,500 in just days. Donations will go to the Sherpa rescuers in the hopes of providing them with resources and training opportunities that will help future climbers.
“Recently, our dear Chinny tragically passed away on Himlung Himal in Nepal,” his family and friends wrote on the fundraising page.
“We have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and support we have received. Even though we may not be able to respond to you all immediately, please know we are so grateful for you and how much you loved our Chinny.
“While no words can ease this loss, we choose to honour Chinny’s memory by giving back to those who make high-altitude expeditions possible — the devoted Sherpas of Nepal.”
They said that Sherpas risked their lives on every climb, and that “their courage, skill, and selflessness make every expedition possible, yet they often work with limited support or protection”.
“In Chinny’s honour, and in lieu of flowers, we are raising funds to provide direct assistance to Sherpa communities and rescue teams, ensuring they have the resources, training, and care they deserve.
“We will work closely with Chinny’s friends in Nepal to ensure the funds are distributed where they are needed most.
“Thank you for helping us honour Chinny’s adventurous spirit and give back to the people he deeply admired.”
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