Renowned Mountaineer, Filmmaker, and Author David Breashears Dies at 68

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. — David Breashears, a distinguished mountaineer, author, and co-director of a 1998 IMAX documentary on climbing Mount Everest, has passed away at the age of 68. His business manager confirmed his death on Saturday, with Breashears being found unresponsive at his home in Marblehead, Massachusetts on Thursday, as stated by Ellen Golbranson, his business manager. Although the cause of death is attributed to natural causes, the exact reason remains unknown at this time.

Legacy of Expeditions

Throughout his career, Breashears successfully summited Mount Everest on five occasions, notably in 1996, when he reached the peak with an IMAX camera, a remarkable achievement. His family lauded his accomplishments, stating that he seamlessly integrated his love for climbing and photography, ultimately becoming one of the world’s most esteemed adventure filmmakers.

GlacierWorks and Environmental Advocacy

In 2007, Breashears established GlacierWorks, a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the transformations in Himalayan glaciers through art, science, and adventure. According to his family, Breashears leveraged his expertise in climbing and photography to document the profound impacts of climate change on the storied mountain range.

Pioneering Achievements

Notably, in 1983, Breashears made history by transmitting the first live television images from the summit of Everest. Two years later, he became the first U.S. citizen to reach the summit twice, a testament to his indomitable spirit and skill as a mountaineer.

Humanitarian Efforts

During the filming of the Everest documentary in 1996, Breashears and his team were caught in a harrowing blizzard that claimed the lives of eight climbers. Despite the adversity, Breashears and his team opted to halt filming and render aid to the stranded climbers, displaying his selflessness and commitment to fellow mountaineers.