Boot Found at Everest Could Be From Sandy Irvine, Who Vanished 100 Years Ago
A recent discovery on Mount Everest has reignited speculation about the fate of George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine, two climbers who disappeared while attempting to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak in 1924. A boot found at an altitude of 8,440 meters (27,690 feet) has raised the possibility that it could belong to Irvine, who was last seen with Mallory just 800 vertical feet from the summit.
The boot was found by a team of climbers led by Dan Mazur, who was on the mountain as part of a clean-up expedition. The boot was spotted among the rocks and ice near the South Col, a treacherous section of the mountain known for its extreme conditions. The boot is believed to be from the early 1920s, based on its design and construction, and is consistent with the type of footwear that would have been worn by climbers at that time.
The discovery has sparked new interest in the mystery surrounding Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance. The pair were part of a British expedition led by General Charles Bruce, and were the first climbers to attempt to reach the summit of Everest. Mallory’s body was found in 1999, but Irvine’s remains have never been located, leading to speculation that he may have survived the climb and perished somewhere on the mountain.
Experts are now examining the boot to determine if it can be definitively linked to Irvine. If it is confirmed to belong to him, it could provide valuable clues about what happened to the young climber on that fateful day in 1924. The boot may hold DNA evidence that could help to confirm Irvine’s identity, and shed light on the circumstances of his disappearance.
For many, the discovery of the boot is a poignant reminder of the dangers that climbers face on Everest, and the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of the summit. Mallory and Irvine’s story has captured the imagination of generations of mountaineers and adventurers, and the possibility of finally solving the mystery of their fate is an exciting prospect for many.
As researchers continue to analyze the boot and investigate its origins, the story of Mallory and Irvine’s ill-fated expedition will once again come to the forefront of the mountaineering world. The discovery of the boot is a tantalizing clue that may finally provide answers to a century-old mystery, and bring closure to the families and friends of these intrepid climbers.