Australian man Jason Kennison dies on Mount Everest

An Australian man has died descending Mt Everest, which he vowed to climb after learning to walk again due to a spinal injury.

Jason Kennison (left) died while descending Mt Everest.

An Australian man has died descending Mt Everest, which he vowed to climb after learning to walk again due to a spinal injury.

Jason Bernard Kennison, a mining engineer originally from South Australia but residing in Perth, reportedly died returning from the summit on May 19.

The 40-year-old was brought to the Balcony area, which is at more than 8000 metres, by his two Sherpa guides after he started showing abnormal behaviours, local media reported.

The group soon ran out of oxygen and strong winds prevented them from bringing oxygen bottles up from the nearest base camp. Mr Kennison collapsed and died.

Mr Kennison’s sister Michelle Graham said “he stood on top of this world, but sadly didn’t come home”.

She told The Australian it was “so surreal” and they were “utterly heartbroken”.

His family, which includes parents Jock and Gill and his five siblings, said in a statement they were grateful he had reached the summit, which he was doing to raise money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia.

Mr Kennison had suffered traumatic injuries to his femur and shoulder in a serious motor vehicle accident in 2006. At just 23-year-old, he had regain function in his arms and legs and to learn to walk again.

Three years ago, he suffered spinal nerve damage after a routine spinal procedure, which required more rehab.

Jason Kennison on Mount Everest.

“Jason was one to live a full life. He would put his mind to something, set a goal and achieve it. Whether that be playing footy as a kid, winning motor cross races, working around the world in the mining industry and in high risk environments,” his family said in the statement.

“He did all the training he could in preparation to achieving his new goal: climbing to the top of Everest. He trained anywhere he could including the mountains of New Zealand.

“He wanted to raise awareness and money for spinal cord injuries Australia, wanting to help others who had similar struggles to himself.

“We are so proud of his achievements and we take great solace in knowing he made it to the summit. The highest place on this earth.

On his “Just Giving” fundraising page, Mr Kennison said the expedition was “special” to him.

“After all the setbacks and injuries I have had, it was a spinal cord injury that changed my life … I am going to make the most of my life and part of that involves helping other people who have had their life changed in an instant through spinal cord injury,” he wrote.

“In 2023 I will head to Nepal, to see and be on Mount Everest, a long way from once battling traumatic injuries and the low and dark days of depression. An ambitious feat that I would never have dreamed of, or thought was possible after once being told that I would not be able to walk.”

On May 10, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia posted to Facebook wishing Mr Kennison luck on “his next leg to the peak” and shared a personal statement.

Jason Kennison died while descending Mt Everest.

“We have now finished all our acclimatisation runs … All sections have their own unique challenges that, at altitude, are physically demanding. The weather was especially challenging on the final rotation with heavy winds and snow,” Mr Kennison said in the statement.

“Currently, we are now resting at base camp, keeping active until a safe weather window appears on the summit of Everest to start our final summit push.”

“With one final push, I expect to be one of the toughest challenges in my life to date, I encourage people to help out and donate to SCIA, no matter how big or small.”

On Monday, SCIA said in a statement they were “beyond shocked to hear the news of his passing whilst undertaking such an incredibly inspiring feat”.

“He was a shining example of overcoming the odds and Jason showcased incredible tenacity and determination in everything he set his mind to.”

There have been ten deaths recorded on Mt Everest this spring season.