SEATTLE (AP) — Jim Whittaker, who made history in 1963 as the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, has died at the age of 97.
Whittaker's ascent ten years after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s initial climb transformed him into an instant celebrity. He unexpectedly found himself in high demand for public speaking engagements and charitable events.
According to his family, he passed away Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend, Washington.
His historic achievement propelled him into famous social circles, most notably befriending figures such as Robert Kennedy. Whittaker participated in a significant climbing expedition on Mount Kennedy, named after the presidential candidate who was assassinated in 1968.
Whittaker expressed admiration for Kennedy, noting, “Bobby was one of the grittiest little guys you’ve ever seen.”
The source of Whittaker’s climbing passion began in his youth with the Olympic Mountains while he was a Boy Scout. He famously reflected, “When you live on the edge, you can see a little farther.”
Throughout his remarkable climbing career, Whittaker not only logged notable ascents of Everest but also challenged K2's treacherous peaks, marking his place among elite climbers. He often shared the spotlight with his identical twin brother, Lou, who led the first American expedition up Everest's north face.
In addition to his towering feats, one of Whittaker’s proudest accomplishments occurred in 1981 when he guided ten climbers with disabilities to the summit of Mount Rainier, a triumph he cherished deeply.
Whittaker reportedly scaled Mount Rainier over a hundred times and always respected the mountain's volatile nature. Reflecting on climbing risks, he stated, “The mountains are fair, but they really don’t care.”
Even at an advanced age, Whittaker maintained a strong belief in the romance of risk that climbing offers. He adamantly opposed mandatory electronic locators for climbers, highlighting that such measures would strip away the adventure associated with exploration.
