Green Boots Cave - The Controversial Mount Everest Death That Shocked the World | Disaster Strikes E212

In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes' on the Crux podcast, host Julie Henningsen delves into the harrowing story of David Sharp, a dedicated mountaineer whose third attempt to summit Mount Everest ended in tragedy. On May 15, 2006, Sharp was found unresponsive at 27,890 feet, seated next to the landmark known as Green Boots Cave. Despite attempts to help from several climbers, Sharp ultimately did not survive. The episode explores the decisions and conditions that led to this tragic outcome, the ethical dilemmas facing fellow climbers, and the broader implications for high-altitude mountaineering. Henningsen also contrasts Sharp's fate with the miraculous survival of Lincoln Hall, another climber left for dead but who managed to survive under similar conditions. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of mountaineering.

00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes

00:59 The Tragic Encounter on Everest

03:34 David Sharp's Background and Climbing History

06:25 The Final Attempt and Its Challenges

07:13 The Controversial Basic Package

14:33 The Deadly Climb of 2006

16:37 Green Boots and the Final Resting Place

19:12 David Sharp's Final Hours

19:54 Turkish Climbers' Dilemma

21:50 Controversy and Confusion

22:44 Efforts to Save Sharp

24:35 The Aftermath and Public Outcry

27:29 Lincoln Hall's Miraculous Survival

31:53 Comparing Sharp and Hall

34:20 Legacy and Reflection

35:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References

• David Sharp (mountaineer) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sharp_(mountaineer)
• Lincoln Hall (climber) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Hall_(climber)
• Green Boots - Ultimate Kilimanjaro https://www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/green-boots-on-mount-everest-who-was-he-how-did-he-die/
• "Dying For Everest" (2007) New Zealand TV3 Documentary featuring interviews with climbers and expedition leaders
• "Everest: Beyond the Limit" (2006-2009) Discovery Channel series featuring Russell Brice's Himex expeditions, Season 1 includes David Sharp incident
• "Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mount Everest" by Lincoln Hall (2007)
• "Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season" by Nick Heil (2008)
• "Over the Top" - Outside Online (August 15, 2006) https://www.outsideonline.com/1909966/over-top
• "The Tragic Death of David Sharp" - Eight Summits https://eightsummits.com/bills-articles/the-tragic-death-of-david-sharp/
• "Lincoln Hall Rescue" - SummitClimb https://www.summitclimb.com/news/mef/lincoln-hall-rescue
• Alan Arnette - Everest Coverage https://www.alanarnette.com
• "Mortality on Mount Everest, 1921-2006: descriptive study" British Medical Journal (PMC2602730)

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