A 53-year-old American climber has died after being hit by an avalanche while descending from Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, during Nepal’s busy 2026 spring climbing season.
Shelley Johannesen from Oregon, USA, was killed at around 7,000 metres below Camp III shortly after successfully summiting the 8,463-metre Himalayan peak on May 9, according to expedition officials.
Johannesen had reached the summit of Makalu at approximately 10:30 a.m. alongside her partner David Ashley and Nepali guides Tawa Sherpa and Phurba Sonam Sherpa before the team began their descent.
During the way down, a small avalanche swept across the route and struck the climbers. Johannesen died in the incident, while Tawa Sherpa suffered injuries. David Ashley reportedly also became ill during the descent and was later evacuated.
Her body was recovered from the mountain and airlifted to Kathmandu for postmortem procedures.
Ashley later shared an emotional tribute on social media, describing Johannesen as someone who “lived her life with no limits and chased her passions around the world.”
Johannesen was also known as the co-founder of Dash Adventures, a U.S.-based adventure outfitter company focused on mountaineering and global expeditions.
Second Death in Makalu Region This Season
The tragedy marks the second fatality in the Makalu region during Nepal’s current climbing season.
Earlier this month, Czech climber David Roubínek died at approximately 7,300 metres on Makalu II, also known as Kangchung Tse, during an alpine-style climbing attempt.
Nepal’s spring mountaineering season has already seen multiple deaths across the Himalayas, including climbers and Nepali guides.
Why Makalu Is Considered One of the Hardest Mountains in the World
Mount Makalu is widely regarded as one of the most technically difficult 8,000-metre mountains to climb.
Located southeast of Mount Everest, the mountain is known for its steep ridges, exposed climbing sections, strong winds, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Unlike Everest, Makalu attracts far fewer climbers each year because of its demanding terrain and remote location.
According to Nepal’s Department of Tourism, authorities issued 72 climbing permits for Makalu this season, while a record 492 permits were issued for Everest expeditions.
Overall, Nepal has granted more than 1,000 climbing permits for 30 Himalayan peaks during the 2026 spring climbing season.
Rising Risks During Nepal’s Climbing Season
Every year, hundreds of climbers travel to Nepal to attempt the world’s highest mountains. However, avalanches, altitude sickness, sudden weather changes, and exhaustion continue to pose major risks even for highly experienced mountaineers.
The death of Shelley Johannesen is another reminder of the dangers climbers face in the Himalayas, especially on technically demanding peaks like Makalu.
