Community firefighter’s climb on Mount Everest canceled owing to COVID

Scott Coffey experienced been standing by, prepared to climb, but his hike on Mt. Everest was cancelled very last minute when the Sherpas bought ill.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn — For the past couple months KARE 11’s Alicia Lewis has been pursuing Minneapolis firefighter Scott Coffey and his journey of climbing Mount Everest. 

Our very last update back in mid-May possibly, Scott was about to summit Everest after spending two months training and acclimating at Foundation Camp. 

Unfortunately, just times in advance of leaving matters took a transform for the worst on the mountain.

“We had been obtaining prepared to go up and we had been informed we’re leaving in the morning and then an hour afterwards conversation came that this was likely on and was obtaining delayed, and sad to say they experienced to terminate the vacation at that place simply because there was no additional support personnel,” mentioned Coffey. 

The Sherpas, who help guide the climbers up Everest, contracted COVID-19.

“Whilst we managed a superior bubble for our climbers, the Sherpas had extra trouble undertaking that when they ended up likely up and down the mountain receiving points completely ready for us to summit,” claimed Coffey. “Fundamentally, all of them contracted COVID or had COVID signs or symptoms up at Camp 2.”

So just like that, one more function canceled because of to coronavirus.

“It was a whole lot of time, power and expenditure and so pretty disappointing it was great to be there you know… a further 7 days would have been fantastic,” mentioned Coffey.

Out of pocket, Scott says he compensated around $75,000 to climb the the far more than 29,000 foot mountain. An price he’s hoping his journey insurance coverage will deal with.

On the bright aspect, Scott raised much more than $11,000 for the non-gain Firefighters for Therapeutic, which assists burn survivors and their families.

“I learned you have adversity you have to conquer and offer with it,” stated Coffey. 

Linked: Minneapolis firefighter prepares to summit Mt. Everest

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