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  • Published: 1 July 2008
  • ISBN: 9781741667363
  • Imprint: Random House Australia
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 448
  • RRP: $24.99

Dead Lucky

Life After Death On Mount Everest




'A gripping, almost unbelievable story of survival that offers insight into a largely misunderstood domain.' The Sun Herald

'A gripping, almost unbelievable story of survival that offers insight into a largely misunderstood domain.' The Sun Herald

Lincoln Hall set off for Everest in early May 2006. Five weeks after reaching Base Camp in Tibet, he began his push for the summit. After three days of climbing higher into the oxygenless air, he was blessed with a perfect summit day. For a few minutes, Hall was the highest man on the planet. His Sherpa companions arrived, photos were taken, and the climbers commenced their long descent.

Then things began to go horribly wrong. Hall was struck by cerebral oedema - high-altitude sickness - in the aptly named 'death zone'. Drowsiness quickly became overpowering lethargy, and he collapsed in the snow. Two Sherpas spent hours trying to revive him, but as darkness fell he was pronounced dead. The expedition's leader ordered the Sherpas to descend to save themselves.

The news of Hall's death travelled rapidly from mountaineering websites to news media around the world, and by satellite phone to Hall's family in Australia.

Early the next day, Dan Mazur, an American mountaineering guide with two clients and a Sherpa, was startled to find Hall sitting cross-legged on the knife-edged crest of the summit ridge. Hall's first words - 'I imagine you are surprised to see me here' - were a massive understatement.

Much was reported in the press about Hall's resurrection, but only he has real insight into what happened, and how he survived that longest night. Dead Lucky is Lincoln Hall's own account of climbing Everest during a deadly season in which eleven people perished on the world's highest mountain.

  • Published: 1 July 2008
  • ISBN: 9781741667363
  • Imprint: Random House Australia
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 448
  • RRP: $24.99

About the author

Lincoln Hall

Lincoln Hall (OAM) was one of Australia's best known mountaineers. His high-altitude climbing career, which spanned three decades, culminated in his key role in the first Australian ascent of Mt Everest in 1984, and his book White Limbo was an international bestselling account of this first Australian ascent. Lincoln lived in the Blue Mountains with his wife, Barbara, and their two sons. He died aged 56 in March 2012.

Also by Lincoln Hall

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Praise for Dead Lucky

A page-turning story of survival.

The Weekend Australian

A gripping, almost unbelievable story of survival that offers insight into a largely misunderstood domain.

The Sun Herald

A compelling story that explores the outer reaches of human strength, endurance and endeavour.

Sunday Telegraph

A fine adventure story ... Dead Lucky is deserving of a prominent place in the libraries of adventure lovers.

Canberra Times

A powerful account.

Illawarra Mercury

A vivid chronicle of a dramatic event ... an incredible, educational spiritual and entertaining book.

Independent Weekly

An inspirational tale.

Outdoor Australia Magazine