Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Dark Side of Everest TV Mini-series

I found this very disturbing article about a current TV mini-series on an expedition up Everest.

http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?news=15288

Here's the beginning of the article:
"It was the most shameful act in the history of mountaineering: 40 climbers, including a large number of guides and clients from a team offering climbs for profit, stepped over a dying independent mountaineer en route to summit. On their way down from the top, they stopped and video filmed a chat with the fading climber, for an upcoming documentary."

The article went on to say that no one attempted to rescue him. "David died later that night, alone out in the cold, a mere one hour's climb from the warmth of high camp. "

I've been watching this series on the Discovery Channel for five weeks now, and am surprised when reading this article. I don't know if the accusations against Russel Brice are indeed true or not, if so it is a shame, but the Discovery Channel certainly makes him out to look like the best in the business... who knows where the truth really lies.

Here's another article that includes some of the other side of the story. http://climb.mountainzone.com/2006/david_sharp/index.html

I dont find it bad at all. Its a good reminder for people to understand you have a damn good chance of dying on Everest. Dont take the Mountains for granted. I have been watching this series and find it to be a little dramatic at times. All I have to say is stay safe out there on any hike.

the best thing about this show is that it does not show climbers cavorting around, but staggering in slow motion half-dead from hypoxia. That's the way it really is at extreme altitude.

Hi So take away the guides the sherpas and the 02 and a few climbers would still summit, by a "fair means" my one cents worth. Doug

I'm enjoying the show too although it is certainly over dramatic and makes Everest to be the most dangerous mountain the world to climb when K2 and others are much more dangerous with a far higher fatality rate.

But it is "reality" TV and you always have to be a bit skeptical.