A hiker seemingly broadcasted his own demise while descending Mount Fuji, uttering a haunting final word during the livestream. The man’s body was found days later following numerous concerned calls from viewers who had witnessed the tragic event unfold in 2019.
Despite being a popular tourist spot with over 300,000 annual trekkers, climbing Mount Fuji in Japan is prohibited during the winter months. Nevertheless, Tedzo attempted to reach the summit of the tallest peak in the country on September 29, according to the Providence Journal.
During the climb, captured on camera, the hiker expressed struggles with freezing hands, trying to warm them by tucking them under his armpits. He lamented not having a smartphone holder and voiced discomfort due to the cold.
As the path narrowed and became slippery, the hiker chuckled nervously, acknowledging the danger. He mentioned the steepness and snow-covered trail before exclaiming “slipping” moments before the livestream abruptly ended with sounds of his fall.
Following viewer reports of the climber’s perilous situation, authorities initiated a search operation. A rescue team discovered signs of a fall on Tuesday, and by Wednesday, a body was found, although identification was pending.
While the official climbing season for Mount Fuji ended on September 10, warnings against off-season ascents are emphasized due to the high risk involved. Despite these cautions, incidents like this one occur annually, with climbers, including Americans, losing their lives during the offseason attempts.
