Summary
Alexander Pancoe, a 39-year-old experienced mountaineer from Illinois, died while attempting to climb Mount Makalu to raise funds for Lurie Children’s Hospital, having previously battled a brain tumor and leukemia. After returning from a practice climb at Camp II, Pancoe fell unresponsive, and despite efforts to revive him, he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. Over the years, he raised more than $527,000 for cancer charities and had accomplished the Explorer’s Grand Slam, summiting the tallest mountains on all seven continents.
