If you are a trekker, you must have heard about the sleeping beauty. Yes, we are talking about the same woman who is lying dead at the top of Mount Everest. Francys Arsentiev became tragically known for her final rest on Mount Everest, a haunting story that led many to refer to her with the sorrowful nickname Mount Everest Sleeping Beauty. She lost her life during the descent from Mount Everest. A lot of people lose their lives during the Everest climb, so what is so special about Francys Arsentiev?
Who is Mount Everest’s Sleeping Beauty?
Francys Arsentiev was born in Hawaii. She was born on 18th January, 1958. One of the bravest women ever to climb Everest, Francys tried to achieve the feat without supplemental oxygen, but she couldn’t make it. Coming from the United States, she was a student of Business Management at Phoenix International School. Francys was climbing Mount Everest (8848.86m) with her husband.
Sadly, it was only Sergei who completed the climb safely. During the descent from Mount Everest, the couple faced altitude sickness, an issue that ultimately made it impossible to rescue them. Both of the love birds tried their level best to be reduced, but it wasn’t possible. Due to the extreme weather conditions, only the husband was able to be rescued.
Francys Arsentiev’s body remains near the summit of Mount Everest, lying in a peaceful, sleep-like posture, a sight that earned her the poignant nickname, “Sleeping Beauty of Everest”. This particular story is an example of the dangers of high-altitude climbing and a powerful reminder of the human spirit.
Climbing Attempt To Mount Everest
The couple, Francys and Sergei, planned their expedition for May 1998, but little did they know what would follow. Francys and her husband Sergei chose to ascend Mount Everest via the northern route from Tibet. The date was 17th May. They planned to reach an altitude of 7770m together.
It was on 19th May, they climbed to 8203m. They tried to make the climb on 20th May, but they couldn’t do it due to headlamp failure. Gadget failure and poor weather meant that they would be stuck in the death zone for 3 days. Staying 3 days at the same spot, they climbed Mount Everest on 23rd May and finally reached their destination. Staying for more than 3 days at the death zone, they started the ascent.
Francys had already started struggling with frostbite, which didn’t look good at all. Being tired and frostbitten, the journey downwards seemed more than tough.
Mount Everest Sleeping Beauty Death
One of the saddest incidents to have been recorded at Mount Everest would be the death of Francys Arsentiev. When Francys wasn’t able to walk further, her husband left her at 8000m and ascended. The death of Francys Arsentiev took place on 23rd May, 1993. According to sources, an Uzbek team found her lying half-conscious in the camp.
When Sergei later came to search for his wife, she was already dead. The last words of the Francys were Please don’t leave me alone. To the sadness of the reader, Sergei Arsentiev also died. During the rescue process of his wife, Sergei also passed away. The team of Jake Norton found his body. Although Francys died during the Everest journey, she is the prime example of bravery and determination.
Both Sergei and Francys was lived behind by a son named Paul. Paul is a proud son of brave parents, Francys and Sergei. But, sadly, they had to lose their life.
Why Is Francys Arsenteiv Known As Sleeping Beauty?
A major question that could arise for everyone is Why do we call Francys Arsenteiv a sleeping beauty. Well, the reason is more literary rather than anything else. She was lying dead, tied to a rope, and Francys looked very calm. Anyone who climbs Mount Everest is baffled by her beauty, strength, and calmness she presents.
This is the reason she was called the Sleeping Beauty. With years of snowfall and frost, her body seems to be waxed and waiting for someone to come and wake her up. It is impossible to rescue her, and it seems like a hard task.
Lethal Dangers Of Mount Everest
Mount Everest is one of the toughest mountains to climb and it requires physical and mental strength. It is of no use that you feel pride in climbing Mount Everest. If you are stuck at 29000 feet, no technology can help you get out of there.
Meanwhile, some of the lethal dangers that can arise from Mount Everest climb include frostbite, altitude sickness, avalanches, strong winds, and slipping on the way. So all we suggest is to be trained and ready to climb Mount Everest. In case your friend gets left behind, there is no point in going back to redeem as well.
Is Sleeping Beauty Francys Arsentiev Still on Mount Everest?
The simple answer is yes. She is still resting in peace at Mount Everest. However, there has been a slight change in her position. It was in the year 2007 that Ian Woodall and his team moved the body. The body was taken far from the climbing area. It was a social cause named The Tao of Everest.
The body has been moved slightly, and she was given a proper burial, and the tragic story was brought to an end. Her dead body was honoured by a US flag and giving a fitting end to an extraordinary story.
Final Thoughts
Francys Arsentiev’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the extreme challenges and unforgiving nature of climbing Mount Everest. You will be surprised to know that the toughness and the issues you will have to face on top of Mount Everest are massive.
One smaller mistake would make it assured that you could lose your life on Everest. What happened to Sergei also provides us with an idea that there is no point in going back to Everest. We also suggest that all readers have a great amount of experience and expertise if they are willing to climb Mount Everest. We wish you all good luck in your journey.