An Arizona man died while attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest during a climbing expedition in Nepal, according to officials and reports released this week. The climber was identified as 39-year-old Justin Bingham, an experienced mountaineer and businessman from Gilbert.
According to expedition organizers, Bingham died on May 21 while descending from Camp II on Mount Everest after successfully reaching the summit earlier during the climb. Officials said he began experiencing serious altitude-related medical problems during the descent.
Bingham was climbing Everest as part of an expedition organized by Asian Trekking, one of Nepal’s major mountaineering companies. The company confirmed that guides and Sherpas attempted to help Bingham after he became ill, but he later died on the mountain.
Officials have not publicly released the exact medical cause of death. However, altitude sickness, exhaustion, low oxygen levels, and extreme weather conditions are common dangers for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest, especially during the descent phase when many climbers are physically depleted.
Bingham was widely known in Arizona’s business community as the founder and CEO of Opiniion, a customer experience and online reputation management company based in Gilbert. Friends, coworkers, and community members described him as a driven entrepreneur, dedicated father, and passionate adventurer.
In a statement released after his death, family members said Bingham lived life with purpose and determination while constantly seeking new adventures and challenges. They described him as someone who deeply loved his family and inspired many people around him.
According to those close to him, climbing Mount Everest had long been a major personal goal for Bingham. Social media posts shared throughout the expedition documented portions of his training, travel, and climb leading up to the summit attempt.
Mount Everest, located along the border of Nepal and Tibet, stands at approximately 29,032 feet and is considered the tallest mountain in the world above sea level. Every year, hundreds of climbers from around the world attempt to reach the summit during Nepal’s spring climbing season.
Despite advances in climbing technology, weather forecasting, and guiding services, Everest remains extremely dangerous. Climbers face severe risks including avalanches, hypothermia, frostbite, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and falling ice. Thin oxygen levels near the summit create especially dangerous conditions for the human body.
The 2026 climbing season on Everest has already seen multiple deaths. Reuters reported that at least two climbers died during summit attempts this season as Nepal issued hundreds of permits for Everest expeditions.
Bingham’s death prompted an outpouring of support across Arizona and within the mountaineering community. Friends and colleagues shared tributes online remembering him as ambitious, optimistic, and committed to both his family and professional life.
According to reports, Bingham is survived by his wife and four children. Family members asked for privacy as they mourn his death and work through arrangements following the tragedy.
The tragedy also renewed discussions about the growing commercialization of Mount Everest expeditions and the dangers climbers continue facing despite increased access to guided summit attempts. Nepal’s climbing industry remains a major part of the country’s tourism economy, generating millions of dollars annually through permits and guiding operations.
Bingham’s death came shortly after achieving the summit he had worked toward for years, making the loss especially emotional for friends and supporters following his journey from Arizona.
Source: 12News
