Climber perishes during ascent of Earth's fifth tallest peak.
Alexander Panko's Tragic Death on Ama Dablam
It's a sad day in the world of mountaineering as experienced climber, Alexander Panko, took his last breath in camp 2, on May 4th, during his descent from Ama Dablam in Nepal. Panko's death marks the first fatality of this season's climbing expeditions.
Panko, a survivor of a brain tumor and a near-fatal fall in 2018, was a force to be reckoned with. Having battled a formidable challenger—chronic myeloid leukemia—he decided to climb Makalu to fundraisefor a pediatric cancer blood program at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. His relentless spirit raised an impressive $1 million.
Ama Dablam, a popular peak in Nepal, served as Panko's stage for this memorable feat. However, it was during his descent from the mountain that he encountered an unfortunate end.
Ama Dablam, a renowned training ground for climbers before they tackle Everest, is notorious for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Climbing this mountain, as demonstrated by the accident involving Austrian climber, Martin Hornegger in 2025, comes with significant risks. Hornegger, a well-known entrepreneur in the mountain sportswear industry, was descending from the summit when he met his unfortunate end.
Each year, Nepal issues numerous permits for mountain climbs, including for Ama Dablam, highlighting its popularity with climbers globally. The spring and autumn seasons see the most climbers, thanks to the more favorable conditions during these periods.
Despite the risks, the thrill and camaraderie among mountaineers continue to draw adventurous spirits to these mighty giants. Panko, a testament to resilience and determination, will forever be remembered for his indomitable spirit and the lives he impacted.
[1] Martin Hornegger, Austrian Entrepreneur Dies While Climbing Ama Dablam
[2] Ama Dablam: Nepal's Steep and Challenging Peak
- Alexander Panko, who had survived a brain tumor and a near-fatal fall in 2018, and who had raised an impressive $1 million by climbing Makalu to fundraise for a pediatric cancer blood program, met his unfortunate end during his descent from Ama Dablam, the mountain he chose as his stage for his memorable feat.
- Just like Austrian entrepreneur, Martin Hornegger, who also met his end while descending from Ama Dablam in 2025, climbing Ama Dablam, a popular peak in Nepal known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, comes with significant risks.
- Despite these risks, I will continue to seek permits to climb Ama Dablam, hoping to follow in the footsteps of great climbers like Alexander Panko and Martin Hornegger, and experience the camaraderie and thrill that comes with conquering such mighty giants in the world of sports.
