Body of Chinese Climber Guan Jing Recovered from K2
GILGIT: The body of Chinese mountaineer Guan Jing, who died on August 12 after being struck by falling rocks while descending from K2, has been recovered and transported to Skardu by Army Aviation. The tragic incident occurred just a day after she had successfully summited the world’s second-highest peak.
Rockfall on Abruzzi Spur Claims a Life
Guan Jing was descending via the Abruzzi Spur, a notoriously dangerous route on K2, when she was fatally hit by rockfall. According to Karrar Haidri, Senior Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, she died instantly of a head injury. Her body was later found 100–150 metres above the Advanced Base Camp at an altitude of around 5,400 metres.
Poor weather initially prevented helicopter evacuation, forcing mountaineers to attempt recovery on foot. Once conditions improved, Army Aviation helicopters successfully retrieved the body from Concordia and moved it to Skardu’s mortuary.
Summit and Tragedy
On August 11, Guan Jing had proudly reached the summit of K2 along with her group, before tragedy struck during her descent the following day. Known as one of the world’s most dangerous mountains, K2 stands at 8,611 metres and has a significantly higher fatality rate compared to Mount Everest.
Her death underscores the risks faced by climbers on Pakistan’s high peaks, where unpredictable weather, avalanches, and rockfalls continue to threaten lives despite advances in climbing gear and rescue support.
Tributes and Condolences
The Alpine Club of Pakistan extended its deepest condolences to Guan Jing’s family, friends, and the international mountaineering community, describing her loss as “deeply tragic.” The global climbing fraternity has also paid tribute to her courage, dedication, and achievement of summiting K2, a feat only a select few achieve in their lifetime.
Conclusion
The tragic passing of Guan Jing highlights both the allure and the dangers of K2, often called the “Savage Mountain.” Her successful summit followed by her untimely death serves as a solemn reminder of the risks mountaineers face in their pursuit of adventure.
