Researchers to Return to Everest in 2001 Search for Andrew Irvine to Continue Tuesday, March 21, 2000 click Eric Simonson, leader of the 1999 Mallory & Irvine Research Expedition, confirmed with MountainZone.com today that he and historian Jochen Hemmleb will return to the north side of Everest in 2001 to continue the search for Andrew "Sandy" Irvine, partner to George Mallory during their 1924 attempt on Everest. Mallory's body was located by the 1999 expedition, but still missing is Irvine and the long-sought camera the pair is believed to have carried. "We are definitely going back in 2001," Simonson said today. "The goal of the 2001 expedition will be to make the definitive study of the climbing history of the north side of Mount Everest. Part of this will be to look for Andrew Irvine and the camera that he is thought to have carried. Additionally, we will look for other important evidence pertaining to the pioneer climbs from the north side. "Working with me on the 2001 expedition will be the remarkable Everest historian, Jochen Hemmleb. We are currently preparing a detailed expedition search plan, as a part of a larger study of the history of climbing on the north side of Mount Everest." Stay tuned to MountainZone.com for more information on Simonson's continuing search for clues to the fate of Mallory & Irvine as it develops. — Peter Potterfield, MountainZone.com staff [News Index] [All Everest] [MountainZone.com Home]