Alison Hargreaves

Alison Hargreaves (February 17, 1963 – c. August 18, 1995) was a British female mountain climber who was considered by some in the early 1990s to be one of the best in the world. Her accomplishments include being the first woman to scale Mount Everest the world's highest peak in 1995 alone without oxygen, again setting records for women climbers, and climbing the famously difficult Eigerwand in the Alps during her second term of pregnancy. Hargreaves also climbed Ama Dablam, the 5,563 meter (18,251 feet) mountain of Nepal.

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In May of 1995, Hargreaves stood atop Mount Everest, having scaled the tallest mountain in the world, without the support of bottled oxygen.

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In 1995, Hargreaves was supporting two children on her own, but not successfully. Requiring money from endorsements, Hargreaves decided to climb the treachorous K2, the world's second tallest mountain located in Pakistan. On August 14, 1995, she reached the summit and began her descent. Tragically, she did not survive. After a hurricane-force storm swept over the mountain, she was buried by an avalanche. Her body was found and she was announced dead on August 18.

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By many, Hargreaves death was initially greeted by anger. She had left two young children behind, and many considered her decision to risk her life for financial security irresponsible. In recent years, however, due to certain publications, most people view Alison Hargreaves' death as a tragedy.

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February 17: February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 317 days remaining (318 in leap years)....

1963: 1963 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar)....

August 18: August 18 is the 230th day of the year (231st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 135 days remaining....

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