A physician and professor at the University of British Columbia has died on Mount Everest.
While descending below camp four on Everest/ Chomolungma, Dr. Pieter Swart succumbed to a respiratory event on May 25.
“Pieter was lost to us while bravely pursuing his dream of being on top of the world, since he was nine,” said Hamed Umedaly, a UBC colleague in a statement provided by the university.
“As many of you know, Pieter had an insatiable wanderlust.”
Swart had recently begun sharing his adventures on Instagram, with his most recent post about ice climbing in the Khumbu Icefall on May 16, which he described as a perfect day.
“Pieter was a highly capable and trusted anesthesiologist and perioperative physician,” Umedaly continued. “He has left a strong legacy of contribution in BC and Canada."
In concert with Swart’s family, friends and colleagues are arranging a memorial and celebration of life.
“There will be stories to tell of the tremendous effect he had on all of us and his patients,” Umedaly added.
“I’m sure you will all agree that we were all enriched, and the world is a better place, because Pieter Swart lived.”
