Great Loss: Russian Team retreats from 2012 winter climbing campaign

End of story, and there's no happy ending.

The red line stops at 7200m.

Great loss: latest news from Russian K2 winter ascent team

On February 2nd, the team met a 'hurricane' while a trio was pushing above C2. Due to the steep slope, they couldn't set up the tent before cutting a proper space. Vitaly Gorelik, one of the trio, was reported with frostbites. Due to the bad weather, helicopter was not available at first time. At 11:30 on February 6th, Pakistanian time, Vitaly was reported dead in BC, and his cold body is still waiting for better conditions to be transported back. 

Meanwhile, the team decided to evacuate from the K2 winter climb campaign, and it means the Russian team, with the national support and well-believed to succeed, becomes the first one eliminated from the winter FA competition in 2012.

They might have more time before the winter officially ends, while the loss of a member means a irredeemable setback to the whole team. With the honorable team spirit, the expedition this year cannot be counted as 'successful,' despite the team carries on the climb. Here ends the legend, while it just gets to start.

The sincerest sorrow to Vitaly Gorelik and the team's retreat. However, good luck to the others slogging through the -20 degree chill, against 100km/hr gust. 

R.I.P., the brave dream catcher, the chaser of K2.