Makalu 2002: International Expedition led by Piotr Pustelnik

Mr. Raymond David Caughron has passed away on Makalu

NEWSFLASH 4/30/2002: Mr. Raymond David Caughron (1943), Energy Management Consultant from Berkeley, CA, USA was found dead by two member of Swiss Expedition on 26th April 2002 at the altitude of 7200 meters (Makalu La). Due to bad weather Mr. Caughron was forced to bivouac on 25th April 2002 at Makalu – La (7200m). The leader of the team Piotr Pustelnik & other two member Mr. Ryszard Pawlowski & Dariusz Zaluski managed to reach the site only on 28th April 2002. They buried Mr. Caughron at the same spot where his body was found. 

"R.D." Caughron, was one of the member of twelve member International Makalu 2002 Team led by Piotr Pustelnik permitted to climb 8463 meter high Mt. Makalu I from North West Ridge Poland during the spring season of 2002. "R.D." Caughron reported stories to EverestNews.com including the Armed Maoists demand money from the Makalu teams! story. A sad day in the mountains... 

We thank Bikrum Pandey, who obtained the official release for EverestNews.com on this story from Nepal.

April 24, 2002: The bad weather is preventing mountaineers from reaching Makalu La so far; climbers are still attempting to fix the couloir leading to the pass. Many of the of teams are using sherpas for help. Best regards, Manuel 

Dispatches