The Search for Andrew Irvine

A look at the ongoing search for Andrew Irvine and some potential locations. Also looks at various misinformation about the location of George Mallory's body.

[michaeltracy]

To summarize: The Chinese initially said a western climber's body was found because no Chinese climbers died in 1975. Later (after Pan Duo said she saw a Western body), the official narrative was changed and it was announced that one Chinese climber died -- his body visible in photos and videos on the 1975 ascent. Pan Duo was later re-interviewed where she repeated that it was a western climber, apparently unaware that the Chinese had changed the story.

This leaves a photo and video of a Chinese body in the exact same location Pan Duo said. As it is unlikely that Wu fell right on top of Irvine, the logical explanation is that someone realized they could get a lot of views if they push a fake story. In addition, one group of the 1933 team climbed a similar route to the 1975 Chinese -- as is show by the map in this video. This again leaves the problem that if Irvine was there in 1975, why was he not seen in 1933? -- with the logical explanation being that Irvine was never in that location.


The only mystery is why some people ask for "proof" that it was debunked. Where is the "proof" that it was true? Just because some nice person tells you something on the internet does not make it true. Nor do "multiple sources saying similar things" confirm anything when all those sources are based on nothing but rumors themselves. If "multiple sources saying similar things" confirmed something as fact, then all the world's religions would be confirmed as fact.

[AnaarA]

You died exactly a century ago today. You were a heroic, virile, brave and handsome. RIP king!

[davidd]

Love your videos Michael! Keep up the great work! Your sense of humor is the cherry on top!

[tomwolf]

Duh! I was totally sold to the “ chinese found Irvine in 1975 and toppeled him down the mountain “ story. Thanks for your work

[DukeofLabia]

I've always enjoyed maps ever since I can remember. Thank you for making this incredible discovery precise and easy for the non-mountaineering folks like myself.

[tomedson]

Thanks! For continuing the search/journey. Fascinating to follow all this. Best Regards!

[Troublemonkey]

I've watched all your videos on this subject and I wanted to thank you and convey how much I have enjoyed them. Insightful, logical, entertaining and compassionate towards these great but partly forgotten heroes. It would be awesome for someone to fund a feature of all your analysis in time for the 100th anniversary of their death next year. Well done and thanks again

[davidschneide]

Even if someone locates Irvine, he's probably dead by now.

[Ronin-kewm]

Michael, thank you again for an amazing video. Very clear, very informative, very objective and your delivery is top notch

[kerraptregolls]

I really hope they find him in my lifetime - it’s a fascinating story.

[matthewmiller]

Your weather balloon at the end just about killed me. :D

[expelledfromthematrix]

Thanks for wading in on possible locations for Irvine.

And you also answered one of the questions I asked you before. I was wondering if the mountain was steep enough that Irvine could have fallen all the way down the mountain, and you seem to think it’s possible.

If the likelihood of them being tied together is high, then the likelihood of Irvine being mostly above or below Mallory is also high.

The both would have relatively fallen, in the same path down the mountain.

[golden]

Oh how I love your analysis and especially your humour. Thank you

[Lord_Thistlewick_Flanders]

I find it an incredible coincidence that his body has remained undiscovered for 100 years despite him following a well known path as well as dozens of official searches for him around that area. They found Mallory the very first day of the first official expedition way back in 1999. We've spent so much time looking for Irvine it beggars belief he still remains hidden. Maybe he really did vanish into the clouds that afternoon of June 8th 1924. 😄

I will say this, they could have missed him on the 04 and 08 searches. Snow was high and they could have easily passed by him by metres and not realised. I hope those areas searched are not written off as he could conceivably have been there.

[knottsscary]

I'm here, probably one of the first, after a boot with Irvines initials were found!

[Ronin-kewm]

Is it true what I've just read in the newspapers that Andrew Irvines foot, encased in his sock and boot, was found on Everest's Central Rongbuk Glacier, below the mountain's North Face and at a lower altitude than where Mallory's remains were discovered?

[johnsimpson]

I'm glad to see you point out the location of Mallory's body. I studied pictures they took that day for over a week . and after seeing where they marked the spot on the picture like you had here I knew immediately that was the wrong spot. It's exactly where you had it marked. 👍

[martinwebb]

I have a recollection - sadly unsourced other than my not always infallible memory - that the 1999 team have deliberately obfuscated the exact site of Mallory's body in order to prevent tourist climbers re-disturbing it.

[HighCarbDiabeticV]

I suspect they don't want to release any footage or images, in the hopes that they can be the ones to eventually find Andrew and make money off of it. After the atrocious way in which George's body was dealt with, no wonder Andrew's family want people to leave it be.

[washburnb]

I obviously have no proof but I think Irvine could have fallen thousands of feet in some ice and snow conditions. After all they slipped fell roped, perhaps from slick loose rock and ice and he kept on sliding while Mallory stopped on a low angle area.