The term refers to the unidentified body of a climber who perished on Mount Everest in 1996 and became a grim landmark for those ascending the Northeast Ridge Route. The remains, clad in bright green mountaineering boots, rest in a small alcove cave. The individual’s identity, though speculated upon, has never been definitively confirmed, adding to the mystery surrounding this somber reminder of the mountain’s perils.
The location of the body served as a poignant marker of the route’s progress and a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in high-altitude mountaineering. Its presence underscores the extreme conditions climbers face on Everest, where even seemingly small missteps can have fatal consequences. The story has become interwoven with Everest’s climbing history, serving as a cautionary tale and prompting discussions about the ethics of recovering bodies from the mountain.
