A female American climber has died in an avalanche during a descent from the summit Makalu (8,463 m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain, while her Sherpa guide was injured in the incident. Shelley Johannesen, 53, from Oregon, USA, was struck by a small avalanche at around 7,000 metres on Sunday after successfully summiting the mountain on May 9.

According to expedition officials, Shelley had reached the summit of Makalu at approximately 10:30 a.m. alongside David Ashley, Tawa Sherpa, and Phurba Sonam Sherpa. During the descent, the avalanche hit the team, killing Shelley and injuring Tawa Sherpa.

The body of Shelley Johannesen was recovered and airlifted to Kathmandu for postmertum, according to the reports.

David Ashley, who reportedly also felt unwell during the descent, has been evacuated along with Tawa Sherpa to Kathmandu and admitted to hospital.

The tragedy marks the second death on Makalu region this climbing season, following the death of Czech climber David Roubínek, 38, who died at around 7,300 metres on Makalu II (Kangchung Tse) during an alpine-style ascent attempt earlier this month.