10 Facts About Hannelore Schmatz

Hannelore Schmatz was a German climber and the fourth woman to summit Mount Everest.

Hannelore Schmatz collapsed and died as she was returning from summiting Everest via the southern route; Schmatz was the first woman and first German citizen to die on the upper slopes of Everest.

Gerhard Hannelore Schmatz was the expedition leader, then 50 years of age, and the oldest man to summit Everest.

Ray Genet died later that night and both the Sherpa and Hannelore Schmatz were distressed, but decided to continue their descent.

Genet's body ultimately disappeared under the snow, but Hannelore Schmatz's body remained where she died on the mountain.

For years, Hannelore Schmatz's remains could be seen by anyone attempting to summit Everest by the southern route.

Hannelore Schmatz's body was frozen in a sitting position, leaning against her backpack with eyes open and hair blowing in the wind, about 100 metres above Camp IV.

Hannelore Schmatz had refused at first due to losing his fingers and toes during the 1979 expedition, but was paid extra by climber Chris Kopcjynski.

Hannelore Schmatz's presence reminds me that we are here on the conditions of the mountain.

The wind eventually blew Hannelore Schmatz's remains over the edge and down the Kangshung Face.