A tragedy has struck the Czech mountaineering expedition to Makalu and Makalu II. Thirty-eight-year-old Czech climber David Roubínek died while descending at an altitude of approximately 7,350 meters, likely due to high-altitude pulmonary edema.

According to information posted by the expedition on Facebook, the accident occurred during the second acclimatization rotation, which was intended to prepare the team for their summit attempts. “Human life is of the utmost importance… a tragedy has occurred,” the team members stated, adding that the family has been notified and asking the public for respect and privacy.

See the post on the expedition’s Facebook page:



The international website ExplorersWeb.com added that David Roubínek began to feel ill shortly after reaching Camp 3 (approx. 7,400 m) on Makalu II. Together with three other climbers, he set out on a summit attempt, which they were forced to abandon due to his condition. His condition worsened during the descent, and he died about 200 meters below, before reaching Camp C2.

The seven-member Czech-Slovak team arrived at base camp about two weeks ago after prior acclimatization on Mera Peak. They climbed above base camp without the support of sherpas. According to the organizers, steps are now being taken to recover the body.

Makalu II (7,678 m), also known as Kangchungtse, lies on the opposite side of the Makalu massif from its main peak (8,485 m).

Report from ExplorersWeb.com: Climber Dies on Makalu II

We wrote about the start of the expedition in mid-April here:

The Czech Makalu 2026 Expedition Begins