A hiker seemingly broadcasted his own tragic fall from Mount Fuji and spoke one haunting final word during the incident. The man’s body was found following concerned viewers contacting authorities after watching his livestream in 2019.
Mount Fuji, a popular tourist spot with over 300,000 annual trekkers, prohibits climbing during Japan’s winter months. Despite this, the hiker, identified as Tedzo, attempted to reach the summit on September 29.
In the footage captured, the climber can be heard gasping and mentioning his rush towards the peak. He expressed discomfort with his freezing hands, trying to warm them by placing them under his armpits and lamented not having a smartphone holder handy.
As he navigated a narrow path with snow-covered areas, he remarked on the slippery and dangerous conditions but maintained a sense of humor. The livestream abruptly ended with the sound of a slide and visuals of snow, rocks, and climbing gear.
Viewers alerted the police during his ascent, leading to a search operation. Eventually, a body was discovered by authorities, though the identity was not confirmed immediately. The climbing season for Mount Fuji had officially ended earlier, warning of the dangers during the offseason.
Despite these cautions, climbers, including Americans, still attempt the climb during the offseason, resulting in fatal accidents. Tragically, another incident on the mountain claimed a Russian woman’s life, highlighting the risks involved in scaling Mount Fuji.