First American to Summit Mount Everest Dies
Tuesday, 2026/04/14100 words2 minutes1176 reads
Jim Whittaker was a famous mountain climber. He died at age 97 at his home in Washington.
Whittaker became the first American to climb Mount Everest on May 1, 1963. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. He climbed with a Sherpa partner named Nawang Gombu. President Kennedy gave him a special medal for this great achievement.
Whittaker loved the outdoors all his life. He worked for a company called REI that sells outdoor equipment. He also helped protect nature and create national parks. Many people remember him as a hero who inspired others to explore the mountains.
