Chicago – April 09, 2026
Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, has died at the age of 97, his family said. He died Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend, Washington.
Whittaker made history on May 1, 1963, when he climbed Everest with Sherpa Nawang Gombu, becoming a defining figure in American mountaineering. Reports noted that the ascent came in severe conditions and helped inspire wider U.S. interest in the sport.
Beyond climbing, Whittaker was also REI’s first full-time employee and later served as president and CEO, helping shape the outdoor retailer’s growth. His family described him as a lifelong advocate for peace and for the power of shared challenges in nature.
