American Mountaineer Killed in Avalanche on Nepal’s Mount Makalu
The 53-year-old Oregon mother of three and co-founder of Dash Adventures was swept up in an avalanche at approximately 24,000 feet moments after reaching the summit of the world's fifth-tallest peak. She died in her partner Dave Ashley's arms while being treated by medics. Her body was later flown to a hospital in Kathmandu.
New York PostShelley Johannesen, a 53-year-old mother of three from Oregon, died in her partner Dave Ashley's arms after being swept up in an avalanche at approximately 24,000 feet on Mount Makalu on Monday. Johannesen had only just reached the mountain’s peak when the avalanche struck while she was descending.
She was a self-described high altitude mountaineer and co-founder of the US-based outfitter Dash Adventures.
At the time she was with her partner and two Nepali guides. “I am heartbroken to share that my beloved Shelley Johannesen passed away in the early morning hours on Nepal’s Mount Makalu on Monday,” Dave Ashley said in a social media statement. ” Johannesen died at the scene while being treated by medics, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Her body was flown to a hospital in Kathmandu after her death. ” New York Post reported that the experienced American climber was killed as she was descending from the summit of the world’s fifth-tallest peak. The avalanche occurred shortly after Johannesen summited Mount Makalu in Nepal.
Johannesen was a co-founder of Dash Adventures and a mother of three from Oregon.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-11 early morning
Avalanche strikes Shelley Johannesen at approximately 24,000 feet on Mount Makalu moments after she summited
3 sourcesNew York Post - 2026-05-11
Johannesen dies in Dave Ashley's arms at the scene while being treated by medics
2 sourcesDave Ashley · The Kathmandu Post - 2026-05-11
Johannesen's body is flown to a hospital in Kathmandu
1 sourceNew York Post - 2026-05-12
Dave Ashley publishes social media statement detailing the death
1 sourceDave Ashley
Potential Impact
- 01
Body transported to Kathmandu for further procedures following death on mountain
- 02
Family and adventure community mourn the loss of a co-founder of Dash Adventures
- 03
Highlights ongoing risks of high-altitude mountaineering on peaks such as Mount Makalu
Transparency Panel
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