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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Mountaineer

David Sharp

David Sharp (15 February 1972 – 15 May 2006) was an English mountaineer who died near the summit of Mount Everest.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

David Sharp was an English mountaineer who died near the summit of Mount Everest in 2006. His death sparked a major ethical controversy because many climbers passed him while he was still alive.

What it is

David Sharp (1972–2006) was an English mountaineer who had previously climbed Cho Oyu. He died near the summit of Everest on 15 May 2006. His death became a focal point for debates about rescue ethics on the world's highest peak.

Key details

Sharp was found in severe distress near Green Boots Cave on the Northeast Ridge. While some climbers attempted to help him, many others passed by during their ascent and descent. He ultimately died from hypothermia and exhaustion in extreme conditions.

Why it matters

The case raised tough questions about responsibility and the pressures of commercial climbing. It remains one of the best-known controversies on Everest, often cited in discussions of mountaineering ethics and the limits of rescue obligations at high altitude.

In short

  • English mountaineer who died on Everest in 2006.
  • Many climbers passed him while he was dying.
  • Some climbers did attempt to help.
  • The incident sparked a major ethical debate.

Quick questions

Who is David Sharp?
David Sharp was an English mountaineer born in 1972 who died near the summit of Mount Everest in 2006.
What happened to David Sharp?
He became incapacitated near the summit and died after other climbers passed by him during his final hours.
Why was David Sharp controversial?
His death caused controversy because many climbers passed him while he was dying, prompting debate about rescue duties and climbing ethics.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sharp_(mountaineer)
    Supports: Birth and death dates, English nationality, mountaineer occupation, death near Mount Everest, and controversy over climbers passing him.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sharp_(mountaineer)
    Supports: General biographical summary and Everest-related controversy.
  3. MountainZone — https://www.mountainzone.com/2006/david_sharp/
    Supports: Background as a climber and mention of Cho Oyu and Everest attempts.
  4. All That's Interesting — https://www.allthatsinteresting.com/david-sharp
    Supports: Overview of the controversy surrounding his death and climbers passing him.