Ueli Steck, who is a Swiss climber said to be one of the best of our age, died on one of Everest’s ridges on Sunday 30th of April. For good reason, he is also known as “the Swiss machine”.
Steck had set many records, like climbing the north face of the Eiger in 2 hours 22 minutes, and being the first person to climb the south face of Annapurna, a mountain in Nepal, which got him his nickname. He was known for his very quick assents without ropes.
Ueli Steck has captured many people’s attention because of his amazing records and perseverance. He also took the risk of climbing without ropes, which means that if he fell he would not be able to stop himself. He slipped off mount Nuptse, another intimidating mountain near Everest and he plummeted to the foot of it. He was attempting the west ridge of Everest which connects with mount Nuptse.
Not much is known about his death due to there not being many witnesses. One man questioned the name “Swiss machineâ”. He said that Ueli Steck was a gentle and kind person. Not like a machine at all. Before he died, Ueli Steck said he didn’t climb for the records but for challenging himself and pushing further than anyone before.