Li Xiaoshi, hailed as a "mountaineering eccentric" for once carrying a statue of Mazu up Mount Everest, traveled to Nepal to challenge the world’s fourth-highest peak, Lhotse. After successfully reaching the summit, he fell into a coma due to exhaustion and has now been confirmed dead. The tragic news reached Taiwan, leaving his wife, Lin Qingqing, devastated and in disbelief. She said she plans to visit Nepal at a later date to handle the funeral arrangements and will, in principle, respect Li’s wish to be buried in the mountains, to remain forever close to the nature he loved.

(Reported by Pang Qinglian)

A passionate mountaineer, Li Xiaoshi had explored nearly every major mountain in Taiwan after retiring from military service years ago. He captured astonishing alpine scenery through his camera lens. In November 2000, after completing his quest to climb all of Taiwan’s “Hundred Peaks,” he made a grand vow to scale every mountain in the world over 8,000 meters.

Known as a "mountaineering eccentric," Li Xiaoshi was a devout follower of Mazu. On all his overseas mountaineering expeditions, he carried a statue of Mazu with him. Four years ago, after successfully climbing Mount Everest, he went to the Puzi Peitian Temple to fulfill a vow and thank Mazu for her protection. The following year, Li Xiaoshi conquered the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu. Last May, he attempted the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, coming within just 200 meters of the summit. This time, he set out to challenge the world’s fourth-highest peak, 8,516-meter-high Lhotse. Tragically, although he achieved his dream of reaching the summit, he died in Nepal due to exhaustion after the climb.

While receiving treatment at Camp IV on Lhotse, Li Xiaoshi’s condition fluctuated — there were reports of his death, then of improvement — which caused great anguish for his family back in Taiwan. When his death was finally confirmed, his family was overcome with grief and unsure how to cope.

Li Xiaoshi’s wife, Lin Qingqing, said she had dreamed some time ago of being led to a military cemetery — a sign she felt foretold something bad. Since Li had often told her that, should anything happen to him during a climb, he wanted to be buried in the mountains, she has decided to honor his wish. Lin Qingqing said she will travel to Nepal soon to make proper funeral arrangements.

(Broadcast by Radio Taiwan International)