Arab, South Asian superheroes headline London comic con.

Sherpa Kami Rita Breaks Everest Record

On Tuesday, Nepali sherpa Kami Rita reached the 8,849-meter summit of Mount Everest for a record 28th time, completing his second ascent in just one week. The traditional southeast ridge route, pioneered by Sir Edmund Hilary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, remains the most popular path to the world’s tallest peak. Kami Rita, 53, reached the summit via this route and descended safely. His employer, the Seven Summit Treks company, confirmed that he pursued climbing out of passion and climbed with other clients, but further details are yet to be released.

Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has almost done so every year since, except for three years when authorities closed the mountain for various reasons. Another sherpa climber also reached Everest’s summit for the 27th time this week while British climber Kenton Cool climbed Everest for the 17th time last week – a record for any foreigner.

Deaths on Everest Rise

However, despite these achievements, the dangers of the mountain were reflected in the news of two recent deaths on Everest, taking the total to 11 for this year’s climbing season since April. Over the weekend, an Australian engineer died during the descent from the summit above 7,925 meters, an area infamous for causing sudden high-altitude sickness due to the thin air. Hiking officials said strong winds frustrated efforts to carry more oxygen canisters for Jason Bernard Kennison, 40, from the final camp.

Moreover, a Nepali sherpa who was working to clean the mountain died on Monday, according to a statement from the Nepali Army. Climbing expeditions often leave equipment and other items on the mountain that can remain there for decades, contributing to the challenges of mountaineering.

Three sherpas died in April from a serac fall on the lower reaches of the mountain, while others have perished due to illness, weakness, and various causes. Two climbers from Singapore and Malaysia have been missing for the last three days, according to officials.