First, 35-year-old Dutch mountaineer Eric Arnold died on his way down from the peak from altitude sickness. Hours later 34-year-old Australian Maria Strydom died near the top, also after apparently suffering from altitude sickness. "Energy loss and altitude sickness mean that they were not well prepared." Strydom died before reaching the summit on Saturday, one day after Arnold perished after attaining the peak. Hiking officials blame the government, which charges $11,000 US for each Everest permit, for failing to spend any money on safety measures.

Source: CBC News May 23, 2016 06:41 UTC