Left for Dead on Everest: The Miraculous Survival of Lincoln Hall

Mazur later said something that resonated deeply with millions:
“You can always go back to the summit. But you only have one life to live.”

Lincoln Hall lived for six more years after his Everest ordeal. During that time, he traveled, wrote, advocated for humanitarian causes, and cherished time with his family. Despite everything he overcame on Everest, another battle awaited him.

In 2012, Lincoln Hall died at age 56 from mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. He had worked with asbestos as a young laborer decades earlier. His death was unrelated to Everest, but the courage with which he faced his illness echoed the strength he showed on that mountain ridge.

He left behind a wife and two sons — and a legacy that continues to inspire climbers, adventurers, and anyone who finds themselves fighting impossible odds.

Lincoln Hall’s story remains one of the greatest survival tales in mountaineering history. It is a reminder of the fragility of life, the power of the human spirit, and the incredible things that can happen when strangers become heroes. His experience on Everest speaks to something deeper than adventure — it speaks to hope, compassion, and resilience in the face of death.Continue reading…