Mount Everest Filmmaker David Breashears Found Dead

Associated Press

Published: March 17, 2024, 3:08 a.m. ET

David Breashears, a renowned mountaineer, author, and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 68 at his residence in Marblehead, Massachusetts. His death was confirmed by his business manager, Ellen Golbranson, on Saturday. Breashears was known for co-directing and co-producing a critically acclaimed IMAX documentary about climbing Mount Everest in 1998.

Ellen Golbranson stated that Breashears was found unresponsive at his home on Thursday and his demise was due to natural causes. However, the exact cause of death remains unknown at this time.

Over the course of his life, Breashears had successfully summited Mount Everest five times. Notably, in 1996, while filming the Everest documentary, Breashears and his team were caught in a devastating blizzard that claimed the lives of eight climbers. Instead of continuing their filming, Breashears and his team halted their efforts and aided the climbers in distress.

Breashears’ passion for climbing and photography led him to become one of the world’s most admired adventure filmmakers. In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Breashears founded GlacierWorks in 2007. A non-profit organization, GlacierWorks utilizes art, science, and adventure to highlight the impact of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers.

Breashears’ contributions to mountaineering and filmmaking will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.