An Australian man who died while descending Mt Everest has been remembered as "principled, honest and driven" and a "local icon" in his hometown of Mackay in central Queensland.
The 53-year-old, named as Francesco Enrico Marchetti, was climbing down to some lower camps from the North Col route on Sunday morning, the Himalayan Times reported.
It is unclear if he had reached the summit.
An American doctor and a Slovak mountaineer also died in separate incidents near the summit of Everest on Sunday.
Renowned Everest blogger Alan Arnette said the conditions were good for climbing.
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"While few details are provided, it appears these (deaths) were associated with altitude, not weather," Mr Arnette wrote.
Mr Marchetti, known as Frank, was an experienced climber who had led previous expeditions to Mt Everest Base Camp, including one in March and April this year.
He and his wife of more than 30 years Sandy, ran their own blog detailing their travel adventures together.
"Francesco and Sandy have (been) travelling in earnest since 2008 with at least one big trip per year," the website says.
Mr Marchetti worked at Central Queensland University as a technical teacher and supervisor.
The Marchetti's 2015 attempt to climb Everest was foiled by an earthquake in Nepal.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the death was devastating news.
"I have known Frank for over thirty years. He is amongst the most principled, honest, driven men I have ever met," Mayor Williams wrote on his Facebook page.
"Frank's goal was to get to the top. According to the reports his death was on decent from the summit - so hopefully he made it," Mayor Williams said.
Mackay residents responded to the post by remembering Mr Marchetti as an honourable and driven man.
"Our community is a poorer place today with the loss of Frank," said family friend Kylie Porter.
"RIP to such a local icon," wrote Carissa Mansfield.
"Devastated by Frank's death on Mount Everest. I know you can say he died doing what he loved but this is too great a loss. My heart goes out to you Sandy," said Mark Lange.
"I feel like I've lost a brother. This can't be true".
Search operations also continue for an Indian climber who hasn't been seen since Saturday.
