Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963, has died at the age of 97. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend, Washington, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
Whittaker's historic ascent to the summit of Mount Everest came a decade after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay achieved the first successful climb. His achievement turned him into an instant celebrity, leading to numerous public appearances and advocacy for various causes.
Beyond his mountaineering accomplishments, Whittaker was known for his close friendship with Robert F. Kennedy. He served as the Washington state chairman for Kennedy's presidential campaign and climbed a 14,000-foot peak in Canada with him. After Kennedy's assassination in 1968, the mountain was renamed Mount Kennedy in his honor. Whittaker was present at Kennedy's bedside when he died and later spoke about the profound impact of the loss.
Whittaker's career extended beyond climbing. He played a significant role in shaping the outdoor retail industry as a leader of REI. His family described him as someone who sought to share adventure, joy, and optimism with those around him, leaving an enduring legacy of care for the planet and for one another.
Whittaker's achievements included climbs on Everest and K2, the world's second-highest peak, as well as numerous expeditions across remote terrain. He once reflected on the dual pull of beauty and danger in mountaineering, emphasizing the sport's ability to bring people together.