To get back to the mountain, this nonsensical mountain climbing by amateurs can bring about all sorts of horrible outcomes, other than death. A couple we were friends with years ago were extremely worried about their 20-something year old son, who had to be airlifted from Mt. Everest (even higher than K2) because he nearly lost his eyesight due to the altitude. I think he at least partially recovered, but what a price to pay. Why do people take these stupid chances? Isn't there enough danger in everyday life?