 25
May, 2003 - It is with great sadness that we report the loss of
Karma Gylzen Sherpa, age 28, one of the talented and dedicated Climbing
Sherpas on our team and our wonderful and good friend.
Karma became ill, suffering abdominal pain at Camp Four, and
appeared to be improving after descending to Camp Two. Despite the
vigorous efforts of many brave people, Karma died on 24 May at 7:30pm
near Camp One before reaching Base Camp.
Karma Sherpa was an NMA registered Mountain Guide and worked with
Arun Expeditions for many years. He enjoyed the simple pleasures
- Sherpa stew, dancing, listening to sentimental music, visiting
his village of Solu Khumbu - Sotang and making clients happy. Karma
was one of four sisters and six brothers. His brother Kipa climbed
Mt. Everest with Gary Guller in 2001.
Gary Scott flew from
Base Camp with Karma's body to Kathmandu and was met by many sherpas
and a lama. His body was taken to  the
Sherpa stupa near Boudhanath.
Gary was part of Karma's funeral ceremony and paid his respects
of behalf of those who couldn't be there.
Our gratitude to those
who worked so hard to help Karma. All the the members of Team Everest
'03 and Arun Expeditions send their love and support to Karma's
family.
On June
21st, we will be celebrating Karma's life and spirit, as well
as the team success to which he contributed so much. A fund has
been established to raise money for the Karma G. Sherpa Memorial
Hospital; donations to the fund can be made by clicking here
[type Karma Sherpa in the "Gift Recipient" field] or on
the night of the 21st. Details about the hospital will be posted
soon.
Contact:
Dennis Borel, Project Director
(512) 478-3366 M-F days
(512) 431-1656 or (512) 443-6038 other times
E-mail: dborel@cotwd.org
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