Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Summit County Woman on Mount Makalu
Summit County woman dies in rare avalanche on world’s 5th-highest peak

Image: Sltrib
Shelley Johannesen, a 53-year-old woman from Francis, Utah, died due to internal injuries sustained in an avalanche on Mount Makalu, Nepal, on May 11. Rescuers faced challenging conditions, and her partner, Dave Ashley, found her after the incident.
- 01Shelley Johannesen was 53 years old and lived in Francis, Utah.
- 02She died from internal injuries caused by an avalanche on Mount Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world.
- 03The avalanche occurred on May 11, 2026.
- 04Rescue efforts were hampered by severe winds and high altitude.
- 05Johannesen was co-owner of DASH Adventures, a company that organizes expeditions.
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Shelley Johannesen, a 53-year-old woman from Francis, Utah, tragically died from internal injuries following an avalanche on Mount Makalu, Nepal, on May 11, 2026. The avalanche is noted as a rare occurrence on this fifth highest peak in the world. Rescuers were unable to reach her due to harsh winds and high altitude conditions. Her partner, Dave Ashley, found Johannesen and attempted to keep her warm for hours in the difficult circumstances. Johannesen was a co-owner of DASH Adventures, a company that specializes in organizing and leading expeditions around the globe, highlighting her adventurous spirit.
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The tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-altitude climbing and the risks associated with avalanches, impacting the local climbing community and adventure tourism.
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