Barry Bishop (mountaineer)

Barry Chapman Bishop (1932 – 1994) was an American mountaineer, geographer, and photographer. He was a member of the 1963 American Mount Everest Expedition, the second American expedition to summit the world's highest peak. Bishop, along with Lute Jerstad, made the second American ascent of Everest on May 22, 1963, via the South Col route, just after Jim Whittaker and Nawang Gombu Sherpa's historic first American ascent earlier that month.

Bishop's career extended beyond mountaineering. He earned a doctorate in geography from the University of Chicago and worked for National Geographic for nearly three decades. At National Geographic, he served in various roles, including as a scientist, writer, photographer, and editor. He contributed significantly to the magazine's coverage of remote regions and environmental issues.

His achievements in mountaineering were almost cut short during the 1963 Everest expedition. During his descent from the summit, Bishop and Jerstad were caught in a blizzard and forced to bivouac in the open above 28,000 feet without oxygen. They suffered severe frostbite, resulting in the amputation of Bishop’s toes and Jerstad's fingers.

Despite these injuries, Bishop continued to be an active explorer and photographer. He dedicated his life to exploration, scientific research, and the documentation of the world’s natural wonders. His work with National Geographic helped to bring awareness to important environmental issues and inspired generations of explorers and scientists.

Barry Bishop died in 1994 in a car accident in Pocatello, Idaho. His legacy lives on through his contributions to mountaineering, geography, and photography.