Transcript from story aired on KCRA 3 on April 18, 2014
SACRAMENTO, CA – A Sacramento man has survived what is being called the deadliest day on Mount Everest. At least 12 guides were killed following an avalanche. Jim Geiger, a 68-year-old climber is alive and well. Mike Luery has reactions from his family and friends.
“My heart sank when I heard that there was a huge avalanche.” Deanna Geiger has been worried about her dad, Jim. The 68-year-old was trying to make history by becoming the oldest American ever to scale Mount Everest.
Early this morning, an avalanche killed a dozen guides who were fixing ropes for the climbers. Jim Geiger was unharmed.
“It was a relief, but I still could not sleep.” His family was concerned and so are his neighbors.
“We are very happy to know that he is OK and that he survived. We hope he will make it home safe because he is a wonderful neighbor.” Friends and family describe Jim as an experienced climber and in the best shape of his life.
“Constantly going to the gym, carrying a 60-pound pack up and down the hill in Auburn. Intense training,” [says Deanna].
Geiger’s other daughter, Shelly, told me on the phone there is no doubt what her dad will do next. “I know my dad. He is very determined. He is going to continue.”
His entire neighborhood and his two daughters will be rooting him on. His family says they expect him to complete his climb to the top of the world by the end of the month. If so, they say he would be the first Great Grandfather from the United States to scale Mount Everest.
How experienced of a climber is he? Very experienced. He is even a Life Coach. He leads climbs to Mount Shasta and Mount Whitney in California.
IF SO, THEY SAY HE WOULD BE THE FIRST RATE GRANDFATHER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO SCALE MOUNT EVEREST. HOW EXPERIENCED OF THE CLIMBER IS HE? VERY EXPERIENCED. HE IS EVEN A LIFE COACH. HE LEADS CLIMBS TO MOUNT SHASTA AND MOUNT WHITNEY IN CALIFORNIA.