An American climber has died while attempting to scale Mt Makalu in Nepal’s Sankhuwasabha district.

According to the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, the deceased has been identified as 39-year-old Alexander Pancoe. Police Inspector Abhisekh Shrestha said Pancoe died on Sunday night, although the cause of death remains unknown.

It is reported that Pancoe collapsed suddenly after descending from Camp III to Camp II on Mt Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain at 8,463 metres.

Pancoe had arrived in Sankhuwasabha on April 27 along with three French climbers and four Nepali support staff. All other team members are reported to be safe.

Authorities are coordinating with the expedition company to retrieve and airlift Pancoe’s body from the mountain. -- RSS