Here's the news you've all been waiting for. The following Alpine Ascents members, guides, and Sherpas were standing on the top of the world at 12:15 today:
Matthew Holt
Jean-Michel Valette
James Clarke
Bruno Rodi
Vernon Tejas
Lakpa Rita Sherpa
Thapkee Sherpa
Mingma Sherpa
Kami Rita Sherpa
Tsherri Sherpa
Tshering Sherpa
Pemba Tenzing Sherpa
Luis Benitez and Paul Obert took a little longer and arrived at the summit a little before 1:00 pm.
Our congratulations to them all, and also to Jeff Mathy and Willi Prittie for their decision to turn around and head back to the South Col. All members of the team are on their way back down the mountain to Camp IV, and I have talked to Willi and Jeff, who have already arrived at Camp IV, tired, but glad they are there.
It's not over yet until everyone is safe back at the South Col, which I'm expecting by about 5:00 tonight, give or take a bit.
My hands are full at the moment, but I'll try to get the details filled in for you soon.
— Ellie Henke, Alpine Ascents International Base Camp Manager and MountainZone.com Correspondent