British explorer Sandy Irvine's foot discovered 100 years after he vanished on Everest

By Jurassic JennOct 13, 2024 07:44 AMScience
Share:
Sandy Irvine
Sandy Irvine. Source: https://www.express.co.uk/

A likely solution to a century-old mystery has emerged with the discovery of what is believed to be the foot of British explorer Sandy Irvine, found on Mount Everest. Andrew Comyn "Sandy" Irvine, along with fellow climber George Mallory, vanished during an expedition in June 1924, as they strived to be the first to conquer the world’s highest summit. Whether they achieved this goal prior to their deaths remains uncertain. While Mallory's body was located in 1999 without the photograph intended for the summit, Irvine's whereabouts, particularly his Kodak camera, which might hold key evidence of their adventure, remained unknown until this recent discovery.

In a significant breakthrough, a National Geographic documentary group led by acclaimed director Jimmy Chin, and including climbers and filmmakers Erich Roepke and Mark Fisher, encountered what they believe to be Irvine's foot. It was identified on Everest's Central Rongbuk Glacier, at a location lower than where Mallory’s remains were previously found. Encased in a boot and with a sock bearing the label "A.C. IRVINE," these remains now offer a tangible clue to what transpired up there.

The sock with Irvine's name stiched on the outside
The sock with Irvine's name stiched on the outside

Throughout past explorations, Irvine and Mallory were last seen scaling the heights on June 8, 1924, as Noel Odell, a team member, briefly spotted them as small dots nearing the mountain’s notorious steps before they disappeared. Anker, a U.S. climber who located Mallory, deduced from the form of discovery and Mallory's injuries, possibly tied by a climbing rope and signaling a tragic joint fall during the climb.

Mallory (left) and Irvine leave for their climb in the last photo taken of the pair.
Mallory (left) and Irvine leave for their climb in the last photo taken of the pair.

The recent efforts by Chin’s team also led to notifying key organizations associated with the original expedition such as the China Tibet Mountaineering Association and the Royal Geographical Society. Julie Summers, Irvine’s great niece and biographer, expressed her poignant feelings about the revelation, evoking personal memories from her childhood when she first learned about "Uncle Sandy’s" mysterious disappearance.

Looking to bringing closure to a historical narrative infused with mystery, the Irvine family is offering DNA to confirm the identity of the remains while investigations continue for potential clues including Irvine's elusive camera, a finder which could offer new insights into the historic climb and potentially alter the recorded history about the first successful Everest ascent.

Earlier, SSP wrote about the impact of climate change on Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Top Articles
What double rainbow means in spiritual sense

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM
Symbolism and meaning of crickets

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News
Tarantula Spirit Animal: Understanding Its Symbolism & Spiritual Implications

Tarantula Spirit Animal: Understanding Its Symbolism & Spiritual Implications

Nov 9, 2024 13:47 PM
Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson Celebrates Daughter Royce's 2nd Birthday with Disney Cake and Fun Carousel Ride

Nov 9, 2024 13:26 PM

Three zodiac signs should keep balance between idealism and pragmatism: horoscope for November 9

Nov 9, 2024 13:05 PM

Brittany Mahomes Discusses Challenging Workout During Pregnancy

Nov 9, 2024 12:51 PM
Chappell Roan Praises Freddie Mercury's Biopic Bohemian Rhapsody for Motivating Her to Do Pop

Chappell Roan Praises Freddie Mercury's Biopic Bohemian Rhapsody for Motivating Her to Do Pop

Nov 9, 2024 12:23 PM
Kelly Clarkson Says She Has Year-Round Christmas Room

Kelly Clarkson Says She Has Year-Round Christmas Room

Nov 9, 2024 12:06 PM
Three zodiac signs will achieve harmony in their lives

Three zodiac signs will achieve harmony in their lives

Nov 9, 2024 11:38 AM
100-Year-Old Jimmy Carter Becomes the Oldest Person to be Nominated for Grammy

100-Year-Old Jimmy Carter Becomes the Oldest Person to be Nominated for Grammy

Nov 9, 2024 11:18 AM
Josh Peck Points Out to Huge Miscast in 2012 Remake of Red Dawn

Josh Peck Points Out to Huge Miscast in 2012 Remake of Red Dawn

Nov 9, 2024 10:59 AM

Candyman Star Tony Todd Passes Away Aged 69

Nov 9, 2024 10:36 AM

Three zodiac signs to indulge in deep introspection in the next few months

Nov 9, 2024 09:10 AM
Financial Pitfalls to Watch for Certain Zodiac Signs

Financial Pitfalls to Watch for Certain Zodiac Signs

Nov 9, 2024 08:26 AM
Dreams about rice

Rice Dream Meaning: What Does Rice Mean in Your Dream

Nov 9, 2024 08:08 AM
These zodiac signs should carve out this time for quietude: horoscope for November 9

These zodiac signs should carve out this time for quietude: horoscope for November 9

Nov 9, 2024 07:42 AM
What Hummingbird Dreams Mean Spiritually: Fast and Free

What Hummingbird Dreams Mean Spiritually: Fast and Free

Nov 9, 2024 07:23 AM

Spiritual Meanings of Déjà Vu

Nov 8, 2024 20:54 PM

Bhad Bhabie, 21, Suggests Cancer Battle Amid Weight-Loss Rumors

Nov 8, 2024 19:15 PM
 Major Career Shifts Await Three Zodiac Signs

Major Career Shifts Await Three Zodiac Signs

Nov 8, 2024 19:08 PM
These zodiac signs are likely to break free from limitations: horoscope for November 8

These zodiac signs are likely to break free from limitations: horoscope for November 8

Nov 8, 2024 18:47 PM
Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry: A Relationship Chronicle

Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry: A Relationship Chronicle

Nov 8, 2024 18:45 PM
Rashida Jones Honors Legendary Father Quincy Jones After His Passing at 91

Rashida Jones Honors Legendary Father Quincy Jones After His Passing at 91

Nov 8, 2024 18:05 PM
What Does Dawn Mean in Your Dream?

What Does Dawn Mean in Your Dream?

Nov 8, 2024 18:03 PM

Roger Nores Denies Abandoning Liam Payne Amid Tragic Death Investigation

Nov 8, 2024 17:15 PM

Stairs Dream Meaning: Significance of Stairs in Dreams

Nov 8, 2024 16:39 PM
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Receive Personalized Jerseys at a Chicago Bulls Game

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Receive Personalized Jerseys at a Chicago Bulls Game

Nov 8, 2024 16:30 PM
These zodiac signs will seek balance and fulfillment throughout the day: horoscope for November 8

These zodiac signs will seek balance and fulfillment throughout the day: horoscope for November 8

Nov 8, 2024 16:17 PM