On May 10, 2026, Shelley Johannesen and Tawa Sherpa were caught in an avalanche on Nepal’s Makalu, the world’s 5th highest mountain.

Phurba Sonam Sherpa and I witnessed the avalanche and provided assistance to Shelley and Tawa. Rescue Sherpa also climbed to the location and provided aid.

Shelley didn’t survive her injuries and passed on the mountain hours later. Tawa was able to survive a night without shelter. He climbed down to helicopter rescue elevation and was evacuated. He is now hospitalized with frostbite and a broken back.

Please consider making a donation to help both Sonam and Tawa. Funds will be used for:

1. Replacing mountaineering gear lost during the avalanche and/or used to secure Shelley and Tawa and keep them warm after the fall. Several pieces of gear owned by Sonam and Tawa were unrecoverable on the mountain.

2. Any of Tawa’s medical bills not covered by his insurance.

3. Any remaining funds will go to Tawa and his family to assist with his recovery therapy and compensate for time off work.