A Vancouver doctor has died trying to climb Mount Everest.
The UBC Department of Anesthesiology released a statement saying Dr. Pieter Swart was on his way down from Camp 4 after a “respiratory event” when he died.
“Pieter was lost to us while bravely pursuing his dream of being on top of the world, since he was nine. As many of you know, Pieter had an insatiable wanderlust,” the department said in a statement.
Swart is remembered as a warm and caring doctor, husband and parent of two grown children.
“Pieter’s sense of humor was second to none,” the statement continued. “Laughter was always part of the meeting and you always parted with a smile. He was a trusted friend to many.
“Pieter always made your day (and night) better when you interacted with him. He was a boet (brother) to so many.”
The ongoing summit season on the world’s highest mountain has been deadly, with 12 climbers losing their lives since April 12.
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