On October 12, 2024, a remarkable discovery has emerged from the icy slopes of Mount Everest, potentially unravelling one of mountaineering’s greatest mysteries. The remains of Andrew Comyn “Sandy” Irvine, who vanished during a historic expedition in 1924, are believed to have been found. A team led by renowned filmmaker Jimmy Chin made this significant find while documenting the effects of climate change on the mountain.
In September 2024, the National Geographic expedition was traversing the Central Rongbuk Glacier when they stumbled upon a worn leather boot and a sock that bore the name “A.C. Irvine.” Inside the boot was a human foot, believed to belong to Irvine, who was last seen alongside his climbing partner George Mallory on June 8, 1924. The duo aimed to be the first to summit Everest, but both disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Chin described the moment of discovery as both “monumental and emotional.” He recounted lifting the sock and seeing the red label that confirmed their suspicions. “We were all literally running in circles dropping F-bombs,” he said, reflecting the excitement shared among his team members. This find could finally provide answers to questions that have lingered for nearly a century: Did Irvine and Mallory reach the summit before their tragic fall?
The discovery comes after years of speculation about Irvine’s fate. While Mallory’s remains were found in 1999, Irvine’s body had never been located. The recent find is crucial not only for its historical significance but also for its potential to confirm whether they reached the summit before their deaths. If successful, they would have accomplished this feat nearly three decades before Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s recognized ascent in 1953.
Historical Context
The 1924 British Everest Expedition has captivated adventurers and historians alike. Mallory and Irvine were last spotted by teammate Noel Odell near the Second Step on their final ascent. Over the years, various theories about their disappearance have circulated, including suggestions that Chinese climbers might have found Irvine’s body but kept it secret. However, Chin’s recent discovery seems to dispel such theories.
The boot and foot were found at a lower elevation than where Mallory’s body was discovered. This has led to speculation that other personal effects belonging to Irvine may still be nearby. Chin noted that prior to finding the boot, his team had discovered an oxygen bottle dated from a later expedition in 1933, which sparked hopes that Irvine’s remains might be close by.
Emotional Reactions
The emotional weight of this discovery extends beyond just historical curiosity; it touches on family legacies as well. Julie Summers, Irvine’s great-niece, expressed her profound reaction upon learning about the find. “I was moved to tears,” she said. “Since I was seven, my father told me stories about Sandy on Everest. This moment deepens that narrative.”Chin emphasized how important this discovery could be for families of missing climbers. “When someone disappears with no evidence of what happened to them, it can be really challenging for families,” he explained. “Having some definitive information about Sandy’s whereabouts is certainly beneficial.”
Scientific Verification
The next steps involve verifying the identity of the remains through DNA analysis. Members of Irvine’s family have reportedly offered DNA samples to assist in this process. The remains are currently under the custody of Chinese authorities overseeing climbing permits for Everest’s north face.
As climate change continues to expose long-hidden bodies and artifacts on Everest, this discovery may pave the way for further explorations into what happened during that fateful expedition nearly a century ago.
