Record-Holding Sherpa Still Missing After Avalanches Kill American Mountaineer and Guide Near Tibetan Summit

An American mountaineer and her Nepalese guide died in an avalanche some 25,000 feet above sea level while attempting to scale Tibet's Mount Shishapangma, the 14th tallest mountain in the world.

Two others, including Gina Marie and Tenjen Sherpa — who earlier this year set a record for climbing the world's 14 tallest peaks in just 92 days alongside Norwegian climber Kristin Harila — are still considered missing.

Rescuers located and recovered the bodies of Anna Gutu and her Nepalese guide, Mingmar Sherpa, according to the Himalayan Times. At least three others were injured in the avalanches.

Shishapangma is one of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation's "eight-thousanders," the world's 14 peaks, which rise more than 8,000 meters above sea level.

Summiting that batch of peaks, all located in the Himalayas, is among the most highly-coveted challenges in mountaineering. Tenjen, who was just 35, was attempting to become the youngest person to scale each "eight-thousander" twice.

Marie and Gutu, meanwhile, had been competing to become the first American woman to scale all 14 peaks.

Shishapangma had already claimed more than 30 lives, including renowned American mountaineer Alex Lowe, who died in an avalanche on the mountain in 1999.

At least 52 mountaineers from around the world were trying to reach the summit when the avalanches struck. Climbs are now paused due to the present snow conditions.

Experts say climate change has exacerbated the likelihood of avalanches across the mountain range. Meanwhile, extreme tourism has driven more people to the world's highest peaks, leading to dangerous overcrowding and several daring, high-altitude rescues.

For its part, Mount Everest experienced one of its deadliest climbing seasons this year, with at least 17 people dead or missing, Insider reported.

With Associated Press.