S2 E25: Hannelore Schmatz
In May 1973, after conquering Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain, Hannelore Schmatz and her husband set their sights on a new challenge—Mount Everest.
Tragically, exhaustion overcame Hannelore and American climber Ray Genet in the Death Zone. Despite sherpas advising them to press on, Genet chose to stay, leading to his death from hypothermia. Hannelore's descent continued but ended in her passing at 39, becoming the first woman and German to die on Everest.
Her lifeless body, eerily well-preserved, remained on Everest, known as the "German Woman." In 1984, an attempt to recover her body ended in more tragedy. Finally, a gust of wind sent her body over the Kangshung Face, lost forever.
Hannelore's story sheds light on the challenges of Everest, where fatigue, harsh conditions, and risky decisions can lead to tragedy. With over 200 bodies on the mountain, it serves as a stark warning to those daring to venture into the Death Zone.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://allthatsinteresting.com/hannelore-schmatz
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/permit.htm
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/climbing-mount-everest-1
https://www.businessinsider.com/dead-bodies-on-mount-everest-are-hard-to-get-down-2019-5
https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/01/18/requirements-climbing-mount-everest/