On August 9, Darwin Day (64) was attempting to summit Gannett Peak to complete his goal of climbing the highest mountain in each of the Western states when he began to feel ill. It’s not known how high Day and his climbing partner reached on the 13,804-foot peak. They decided to descend to Island Lake, at about 10,400 feet, but Day’s condition continued to deteriorate. Rangers made contact with the party, and he was airlifted to a nearby hospital by Idaho Search and Rescue. Rescue workers were able to revive him, but he passed away three days later.

ANALYSIS

Although Day had climbed many mountains during his lifetime, including many that were higher than Gannett Peak, he had never experienced altitude illness. Based upon reports, the climber was experiencing high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). He and his partner took the correct action in immediately descending, as this is the gold standard for treatment of all altitude-related illnesses. The best method to prevent HAPE and other altitude illnesses is by adhering to a gradual ascent profile, especially a gradual increase in sleeping elevation. (Sources: Mountain Project, media reports, and the Editors.)