SALLERI, Nepal — An Irish man with ties to Maine died earlier this week while climbing Mt. Everest in Nepal, according to his friends.
Friends of Kevin Hynes told NEWS CENTER Maine that he had been living in Windham part-time for the last eight years, and built a remote camp in Casco.
According to a Facebook post with his hiking group "360 Expeditions," Hynes reached Camp 3 at 8,300 meters on May 22. The next day, while summit climbers were heading higher, Hynes started descending the mountain.
"He was accompanied by experienced Sherpa, Dawa Sangee, who himself has summited (sic) Everest south twice, Everest North and Makalu twice," the post reads.
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The group said Hynes passed away in his tent at the North Col at 7,000 meters in the early hours (Nepali time) of the 24th May.
."We had no inkling of the events that have now unfolded before posting the summit team news (23rd May). We were texting him yesterday afternoon (although had no replies) asking him how he was and knowing that he would have been devastated not to have been part of the summit push," staff from 360 Expeditions wrote in the post.
"We thank everyone for your understanding and respect in the light of this tragic event. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with all Kevin’s family and his friends. He really was a wonderful man and it was a great privilege to have him on our team."
360 Expeditions said staff my eventually release more information, but asked that the public "do not speculate on the scenario or ask questions as we are unable to respond. We would welcome your love and thoughts for the family and ask that you all respect their privacy during this difficult time."
His family said Hynes was an experienced hiker who had reached the summit of Mt. Everest in April of 2018.