TL;DR
Two climbers of Indian descent died on Mount Everest on May 21 while descending after reaching the summit. Both deaths are confirmed to be due to health issues, not accidents. The fatalities highlight ongoing risks despite high summit success rates.
Two climbers of Indian origin died on Mount Everest on May 21 after reaching the summit and during their descent, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism. The deaths, confirmed by a liaison officer at Everest Base Camp, are the first fatalities involving client climbers in the 2026 season and underscore ongoing risks on the mountain.
The victims, Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are, both of Indian descent, died due to health complications rather than falls or avalanches, according to Pioneer Adventures, the guiding company. Tiwari died late at night on May 21 near the Hillary Step during his descent, while Are, who had earlier summited, died just above Camp II at 21,000 feet. Both were being assisted by Sherpa guides at the time of their deaths.
Sources indicate that Tiwari reached the summit earlier on May 21 before succumbing during his descent, with four Sherpa guides attempting to rescue him. Are experienced snow blindness and other health issues during his descent and was being rescued when he died. Are was known to be an avid mountaineer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with prior climbs including Aconcagua and Lobuche Peak.
Why It Matters
The fatalities mark a significant incident in the 2026 Everest season, which has seen multiple deaths this year. The deaths highlight the ongoing dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, especially amid increasing crowds and challenging weather conditions. These events may influence safety protocols and climber preparedness discussions, emphasizing health risks over accidents.
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Background
Mount Everest has seen a surge in climbers this season, with over 700 successful summits reported by May 22, despite high winds and ongoing hazards. Earlier fatalities this season include guides and high-altitude workers, with a total of five deaths so far. The season’s crowded conditions have raised safety concerns, but health-related issues remain a key risk factor.
“At least 70 climbers reached the summit on May 22, continuing the busy season despite challenging weather conditions.”
— Khim Lal Gautam, Nepal’s Department of Tourism representative
“Sandeep Are was a dedicated mountaineer who trained extensively and prioritized his health. His passing is a tragic reminder of Everest’s dangers.”
— Jesse Ramos, Boulder-based guide
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet confirmed what specific health issues caused the deaths, nor are details available about the rescue efforts at the time of death. The full circumstances surrounding the fatalities are still emerging, and investigations are ongoing.
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What’s Next
Rescue teams and officials are expected to review safety protocols and conduct investigations into the deaths. The climbing season continues, with more summits anticipated, and authorities may implement additional safety measures to prevent future fatalities.
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Key Questions
What caused the deaths of the two climbers?
According to Pioneer Adventures, both climbers died of health-related issues, not falls or accidents. Specific medical causes have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Were the climbers experienced or first-time summiters?
Both climbers had prior mountaineering experience; Are was an experienced climber with previous high-altitude climbs, and Tiwari was also a seasoned climber, indicating that health issues, not inexperience, contributed to their deaths.
How many people have died on Everest this season?
Including these two climbers, five deaths have been confirmed during the 2026 spring season, involving guides, workers, and clients.
Will safety measures be changed following these deaths?
Authorities and guiding companies are expected to review safety protocols, but specific changes have not been announced yet. The ongoing season will likely influence future safety policies.
Source: Outside
