An Indian mountaineer has tragically lost her life while descending from the summit of Mount Everest, experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness. This incident marks the second fatality on the iconic peak during the current climbing season, as confirmed by officials.

Subrata Ghosh, a 45-year-old climber hailing from West Bengal, passed away just below the Hillary Step, a notoriously dangerous section near the summit, which stands at 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet). According to reports from the Himalayan Times, Ghosh was part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, which was submitted late Saturday afternoon.

Bodhraj Bhandari, Managing Director of Snowy Horizon Treks, the expedition's organizing company, stated, "Ghosh reached the summit around 2 p.m. but began to exhibit signs of exhaustion and altitude sickness during the descent." He added, "Eventually, he refused to continue moving down the mountain."

Champal Tamang, Ghosh's Sherpa guide, tried to convince him to descend, but was unsuccessful. Tamang made his way down to Camp IV alone late Thursday night and informed officials about the situation the following morning.

Currently, arrangements are underway for the recovery of Ghosh's body and its transportation back to base camp. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.

The Hillary Step is located within the "death zone," an area above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low, posing significant risks for climbers attempting to reach the summit and return safely.

Earlier this week, another climber, 45-year-old Philipp II Santiago from the Philippines, also died at the South Col, the high-altitude camp situated at the base of the summit. Santiago reportedly arrived at Camp IV on May 14 and succumbed to exhaustion while resting in his tent.

Both Ghosh and Santiago were part of international expeditions organized by Snowy Horizon Treks.

So far this season, Nepal's Department of Tourism has issued 459 climbing permits for Everest. Over 100 climbers and guides have successfully reached the summit, with more than 50 climbers achieving this feat just this week.