What, exactly, happens to the body of the climbers in “The Death Zone” (i.e. on Mount Everest) that causes their death?

Question

What, exactly, happens to the body of the climbers in “The Death Zone” (i.e. on Mount Everest) that causes their death?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Falling, hypothermia, hypoxia, high-altitude cerebral edema, high altitude pulmonary edema…take your pick. In the death zone specifically, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and its effects are common causes of death. Above 8000 meters, there’s simply not enough oxygen for humans to survive. Climbers in the death zone without supplemental bottled oxygen are slowly suffocating every minute they spend at this extreme altitude.