From Climbing · Ryleigh Norgrove · · 50s
Vanja Matijevec Sacrificed Summit for Three Lives
Slovenian climber Vanja Matijevec abandoned his Everest summit to save three stranded climbers in 1979.
In brief
Slovenian climber Vanja Matijevec abandoned his Everest summit to save three stranded climbers in 1979. Slovenian climber Vanja Matijevec gave up his Everest summit attempt in 1979 to rescue Stipe Božić, Stane Belak and Ang Phu who were stranded above 8,000 meters. Originally reported by Climbing.
Vanja Matijevec's 1979 Everest Attempt
Slovenian climber Vanja Matijevec gave up his summit plan to save three stranded climbers above 8,000 meters during his 1979 Everest expedition.
“he later remembered Matijevec’s selflessness as helping him survive after he lost a crampon high on the mountain”
Matijevec's Selfless Rescue
Matijevec rescued Stipe Božić, Stane Belak and Ang Phu who were stranded above 8,000 meters during their descent from Everest.
Matijevec's Legacy
Fellow Slovenian climber Viki Grošelj described Matijevec as 'the right man in the right place' after his death on March 3.
“the right man in the right place”
What to remember
Slovenian climber Vanja Matijevec gave up his Everest summit attempt in 1979 to rescue Stipe Božić, Stane Belak and Ang Phu who were stranded above 8,000 meters.
