A boot found on Mount Everest may belong to Sandy Irvine, a climber who disappeared nearly a century ago. The find could help unravel one of mountaineering's long-standing mysteries.
Lost Boot May Provide Clue to 1924 Everest Mystery
Lost Boot May Provide Clue to 1924 Everest Mystery
Discovery of Boot on Everest Could Identify Missing Climber
In a striking discovery on Mount Everest, a group of climbers may have stumbled upon a key piece of evidence tied to one of the most persistent mysteries in the history of mountaineering. During an expedition in late September, a National Geographic film crew spotted a brown leather boot on a glacier below Everest's north face. A subsequent inspection revealed a sock with a patch embroidered with the name "A.C. Irvine," presumably belonging to the renowned 1924 climber Andrew Comyn Irvine, known as Sandy.
Irvine, only 22 at the time, embarked on an ambitious quest to become one of the first to reach Everest's summit alongside seasoned mountaineer George Mallory. Unfortunately, both men disappeared during their ascent, and their fate has been a topic of speculation ever since. The discovery of the boot could offer critical insight into what happened on that ill-fated expedition nearly 100 years ago.
Jimmy Chin, a filmmaker and mountaineer involved in the discovery, expressed astonishment over the find, describing it as a significant moment for explorations of Everest. "We just kind of walked around, like for a few minutes, being like, ‘Are you kidding me?’" said Chin.
George Mallory, who had previously ascended Everest to an impressive 27,000 feet in 1922, was joined by Irvine due to his engineering acumen despite his limited climbing experience. Their attempt has remained shrouded in mystery, capturing the imagination of adventurers and historians alike. This newfound evidence might finally illuminate the last chapter of their legendary journey.
Irvine, only 22 at the time, embarked on an ambitious quest to become one of the first to reach Everest's summit alongside seasoned mountaineer George Mallory. Unfortunately, both men disappeared during their ascent, and their fate has been a topic of speculation ever since. The discovery of the boot could offer critical insight into what happened on that ill-fated expedition nearly 100 years ago.
Jimmy Chin, a filmmaker and mountaineer involved in the discovery, expressed astonishment over the find, describing it as a significant moment for explorations of Everest. "We just kind of walked around, like for a few minutes, being like, ‘Are you kidding me?’" said Chin.
George Mallory, who had previously ascended Everest to an impressive 27,000 feet in 1922, was joined by Irvine due to his engineering acumen despite his limited climbing experience. Their attempt has remained shrouded in mystery, capturing the imagination of adventurers and historians alike. This newfound evidence might finally illuminate the last chapter of their legendary journey.
