KATHMANDU: An American woman climber died in an avalanche that struck the Makalu climbing route, while a Sherpa climber was injured in the incident, officials confirmed. The avalanche had struck them on Sunday.

According to officials, Shelley Johannesen, who made it to the summit of the world’s fifth‑highest mountain on May 9, was hit by a small avalanche during the descent at around 7,000m. “Shelley, 53, from Oregon, USA, died while her climbing guide Tawa Sherpa was injured,” expedition officials informed.

David Ashley, Shelley Johannesen, Tawa Sherpa, and Phurba Sonam Sherpa stood on top of Makalu (8,485m) at 10:30 a.m. on May 9.

Tawa is being rescued by other climbers, said Navin Trital, Managing Director at Expedition Himalaya.com, the organiser of the expedition.

The organiser said a body recovery mission will be launched soon. The details of the incident are awaited.

This is the second death on Makalu this season, following the death of Czech climber David Roubinek, 38, who died at 7,300 metres on Makalu II — popularly known as Kangchung Tse — while attempting an alpine-style ascent.

Shelley had attempted Mt Everest last spring but abandoned from above South Col. Dave also felt unwell during his descent. Dave and Tawa have been airlifted to Lukla from Makalu and are being brought to Kathmandu for treatment. Dave and Shelly run Dash Adventures in the US.