Tyler Andrews Abandons Everest Speed Climb Just 500m from Summit

American endurance athlete Tyler Andrews, renowned for his record-breaking speed ascents, made the difficult decision to abort his latest attempt to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, turning back less than 500 meters from the peak. This marked his third and final attempt this season to set a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) from Base Camp to the summit.

Tyler Andrews at Everest Base Camp some days ago. Photo: Instagram

A Brief Background

Tyler Andrews, born on May 4, 1990, in Concord, Massachusetts, is a distinguished long-distance runner and mountaineer. He has achieved multiple world records on prominent peaks, including Manaslu, Kilimanjaro, and Aconcagua. Andrews has also represented the United States in international competitions, earning a silver medal at the 2016 IAU 50 km World Championships and winning the 2019 USA Track and Field 50 Mile National Championship. His transition from elite marathon running to high-altitude mountaineering has been marked by a series of impressive speed ascents, solidifying his reputation in the climbing community.

The Final Attempt

On May 26, 2025, at 9:08 PM Nepal time, Andrews departed from Everest Base Camp, aiming to complete a non-stop ascent to the summit without supplemental oxygen. His climbing partner, Chris Fisher, accompanied him through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp 2. By noon the following day, Andrews had reached above 8,000 meters. At 8,200 meters, he sent a message via his InReach device stating, “All well in the mountains,” indicating a promising progression.

However, concerns arose when his tracker ceased transmitting signals, and his team experienced difficulties establishing radio contact. Eventually, communication was restored, revealing that Andrews had decided to descend after approximately 17 hours of continuous climbing. The exact reasons for his decision remain undisclosed, but the challenges of high-altitude climbing without oxygen are well-documented.

Previous Attempts

Andrews’ first attempt on May 10-11 was halted slightly above Camp 3 due to equipment issues. His second attempt on May 24, which included the use of supplemental oxygen, was thwarted by high winds near the summit. Despite these setbacks, Andrews demonstrated resilience by initiating a third attempt, capitalizing on favorable weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

While this season’s attempts did not culminate in a new FKT, Andrews’ determination and endurance have further cemented his status as a formidable figure in the realm of high-altitude mountaineering. His experiences on Everest contribute valuable insights into the challenges of speed ascents and the human limits of endurance.