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Editor's Note: Tommy Heinrich was to report on his attempt on K2 this summer, but the tragic death of his companion in an accident has resulted in his attempting Broad Peak instead. Romanian Climber Killed Mihai Cioroiano Buried at Base Camp Tuesday, July 13, 1999 The walk from Broad Peak to K2 Base Camp only took one hour, and as we marched, it was confirmed that one of the members on my team had died somewhere low on the mountain.
Five minutes later I was surprised by National Geographic TV cameras being pointed at me, and Jay Sieger from the US greeting me, who I did not know until then. I walked towards Manuel Lugli, Oskar Paizza, and Angelo Giovanetti from Italy who I came to climb K2 with, and could see a mixed look of sorrow on their faces. Romanian climber, Mihai Cioroiano, had been buried only hours ago near Base Camp.
While he was climbing from Advanced Base to Camp I at 6,100 meters, a rock fell from above and hit him on the shoulders. He could call for help on the radio, and Jay Sieger who was minutes behind him rushed to his assistance. The three Italians, by then at Base Camp got to the scene in three fast hours, but Mihai was already dead, probably due to an internal bleeding and broken shoulder. He was 31-years-old, married and with a two-year-old son. This happened on the morning of the 11th.
Tommy Heinrich, MountainZone.com Correspondent
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