In June 1924, the Englishmen George Mallory and Andrew Irvine set out on the adventure of their lives – to become the first to climb Mount Everest. However, the two never returned and disappeared in the fog at an altitude of over 8,000 meters, in the so-called death zone.
Since then, the fate of the two mountaineers has been a great mystery – and whether they actually reached the top of the mountain is unknown.
However, the mystery was somewhat clarified in May 1999 when Mallory's body was found, over 75 years after he disappeared. The body was found with deep rope marks, which are believed to indicate that Mallory died in a fall.
Another 25 years later, the mystery may have been further clarified. Last month, what is believed to be Irvine's foot was discovered on a glacier below Mount Everest's north side, reports The Guardian.
On the foot was a hiking boot and a sock, embroidered with "A.C. Irvine", which at least convinced mountaineer and film director Jimmy Chin, who made the discovery.
The news was received with joy by Irvine's relative Julie Summers.
When Jimmy told me he had seen the name A.C. Irvine on the sock, I was moved to tears. It was and will remain an extraordinary and poignant moment, she says to The Guardian.
What happened to the rest of Irvine's body is still unclear.
