An American and a Swiss died on Mt Everest reportedly due to exhaustion while descending from the mountain, the first casualty of the season on the world’s tallest peak, their expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks confirmed.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa, expedition manager of Seven Summit Treks, wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday morning that Abdul Waraich from Switzerland died near the South Summit at an elevation of 8,748 metre. He suffered from exhaustion.

“Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent. We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and food, but unfortunately Sherpas couldn’t save him,” he wrote.

American Puwei Liu took his last breath at Camp IV (7,900m) while descending from Hillary Step [the max height he gained]. He suffered snow blindness and exhaustion as he consequently consumed more hours while descending.

“But with the help of extra oxygen supply and additional Sherpa support he safely reached the South Col, late Wednesday evening before he suddenly passed away,” wrote Chhang Dawa.

In 2019, 10 people had died on Everest from the Nepal side.

The number of Everest climbing permits issued this spring—408—is an all-time high since Everest was climbed in 1953, and with each climber hiring at least one climbing guide, the number of total climbers is estimated to be over 800.

In 2020 climbing season was cancelled due to the pandemic.