Sir Edmund Hillary Passes Away

Sad news today out of New Zealand:

EVEREST conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary has died at the age of 88.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the news today.

Miss Clark said the death of New Zealand’s greatest hero was a profound loss.

"Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only ‘knocked off’ Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity," Miss Clark said.

The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist would be deeply mourned, she said.

Sir Ed’s health had been in decline since April after he suffered a fall while in Nepal.

Sir Ed was the first man to climb Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.  [News.com]

Here is a news report from New Zealand that broke the news to the nation:

Rest in peace Sir Edmund Hillary.