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By Tracy Withers and Emma O'BrienJan. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand-born adventurer who defied the failed efforts of countless climbers by reaching the peak of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, has died. He was 88.Hillary's death ``is a profound loss for New Zealand,'' Prime Minister Helen Clark said in a statement today.Hillary, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, conquered the 29,035 foot (8,850 meter) summit on May 29, 1953. His love of the mountains and affection for Nepal's Sherpa people who live on the slopes of the Himalayas developed into a lifelong effort to raise money for schools, hospitals and airfields.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88. The gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in stride, preferring to be called "Ed" and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper."Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off' Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity," Clark said in a statement."The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived," she said.Hillary's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement — and by his personal humility. Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Tenzing Norgay.
