Sir Edmund Hillary dies

Sir Edmund Hillary at the 50th Anniversary of Scott Base celebrations in 2007.
Photo: AP
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January 11, 2008 - 9:52AM

Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today.

He died this morning at the age of 88.

Sir Edmund became the first person to stand on Mt Everest, the world's highest peak, on June 2, 1953 - the day of Queen Elizabeth's coronation.

His chance to make his mark in history came when selected for the 1953 British expedition to climb Mt Everest, led by former commando Colonel John Hunt, later Lord Hunt.

On the mountain, the first assault team that tried to reach the 8848m summit was driven back by altitude sickness.

Hillary, who was renowned for his fitness and speed, was chosen along with Sherpa Tenzing to try next.

As he and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay descended from the May 29 attempt on the mountain, Hillary told fellow climbers: "We knocked the bastard off."

Clark said today that the passing of Hillary was a profound loss to New Zealand.

"My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund's children, wider family, and close friends at this sad time," Clark said in a statement.

"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."

AAP