The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Death of porter left behind on K2 sparks debate over high-altitude ethics

By Eve Sampson

12 Aug 2023 · 3 min read

informed Summary

  1. Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her team are accused of ignoring the dire state of local porter Muhammad Hassan on their way to the K2 summit in Pakistan. Hassan later died from his injuries.

In the amateur drone footage captured that day, a grisly scene unfolded atop one of the world's most unforgiving peaks.

It was July 27 and mountaineers, determined to reach the K2 summit in Pakistan, are shown stepping over the prostrate body of Muhammad Hassan, a local porter and father of three, who later died.

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