The remains of a British mountaineer believed to be Andrew “Sandy” Irvine, have reportedly been found on Mt. Everest, bringing closure to a century-long mystery. Irvine, the youngest member of the 1924 Mount Everest expedition, disappeared along with George Mallory on June 8, 1924, just 800 feet from the summit. The discovery of a sock embroidered with “AC Irvine” and a boot on the Central Rongbuk Glacier below the North Face of Mount Everest has provided potential evidence of Irvine’s fate. This find is part of a project funded by National Geographic Documentary Films for an upcoming documentary.
Irvine’s family has offered to undergo DNA testing to confirm the identity of the remains. The sock and boot were found at a lower elevation than Mallory’s remains, discovered in 1999, and are now in the possession of the China Tibet Mountaineering Association. Jimmy Chin, a member of the expedition team and National Geographic Explorer, expressed the team’s emotional reaction to the discovery, hoping it brings closure to Irvine’s relatives and the climbing community.
Julie Summers, Irvine’s great-niece, and biographer, shared her emotional response to the news, reflecting on the impact of the discovery after decades of uncertainty. Professor Joe Smith, director of the Royal Geographical Society, commended the team for their handling of Irvine’s remains, acknowledging Irvine’s significant contribution to the understanding of Everest and the Himalayas.
In a statement, Irvine’s family expressed gratitude towards the mountaineering and film team for their professionalism and respect in making the discovery. The confirmation of Irvine’s fate has stirred deep emotions within the climbing world and provided a poignant conclusion to a historic mystery that has captivated generations of adventurers and historians alike.