News Release

Source: Explorart LLC


Explorart Films Mourns the Tragic Death of Producer and Elite Mountain Climber Jose Antonio Delgado.


Jose Antonio Delgado died after reaching the summit of Nanga Parbat at 8,125mts.



Woodstock, New York. July 22, 2006. Explorart Films sadly announces the death of our friend, elite mountain climber, and fellow producer Jose Antonio Delgado. After a week-long rescue attempt by a brave team of Pakistani climbers, Jose Antonio's body was found between camp 3 and camp 4 of Nanga Parbat, an 8,125 meter mountain located at the heart of the Himalayan range. He is survived by his wife, Frida Ayala, and two young children, Tomas (4) and Sofia (8). Jose Antonio was an associate producer with Explorart and the protagonist of the Explorart’s HD series "Mountaineers: Beyond the Summit".

After a successful solo summit of Nanga Parbat, the Venezuelan climber was trapped by a storm, preventing him from reaching camp 4 and forcing him to bivouac at 7,800 meters above sea level. A day later he was able to reach camp 4 with the help of his teammate, Edgar Guariguata, who could see him through a telescope from base camp. A second storm trapped him at camp 4 for several days where Jose Antonio soon ran out of food and water. The storm prevented rescuers from leaving base camp and Jose Antonio was forced to continue to descend to camp 3 on his own. His last radio dispatch to base camp was on Monday, July 17 when he informed base camp of his decision, and asked his teammate to say goodbye to his wife and children. A desperate rescue mission by a team of elite Pakistani climbers was finally able to reach camp 3 on Saturday July 22, finding Jose Antonio's body just outside camp at approximately 7,100 meters above sea level.

Explorart was following the expedition and maintaining the expedition website (www.nangaparbat2006.explorart.com) as part of documentary series "Mountaineers: Beyond the Summit". The pilot episode of the series follows the life of the celebrated Venezuelan climber. "Jose Antonio had a spirit that astonished everyone who met him, not only because of his skills as a mountain climber, which were exceptional, but because of his humility and dignity. I cannot think of anyone who, at such young age, had such an impact on millions of Venezuelans. He lived to the fullest every second of his life. He was a warrior fighting for his dreams. He breathed freedom," said Juan Carlos Lopez Duran, the director of the series and personal friend of Jose Antonio. Mr. Delgado was also an associate producer and climber consultant for Explorart's feature adventure film "White Song." Nestor L. Lopez, Explorart's vice-president and one of the producers of White Song stated, "Explorart lost an invaluable collaborator and resource, and the world lost a splendid citizen who dedicated his life to his family, his love of nature, and the limitless possibilities of human achievement. The entire film and climbing community will miss him dearly."

Jose Antonio Delgado, an engineer and adventurer, was one of Latin America's most renowned mountain climbers. He reached the summit of 5 of the world's highest mountains including Cho Oyu (8201mts), Shishapangma (8008mts), Gasherbrum II (8035mts), Everest (8850m), and Nanga Parbat (8,125mts). He was also an avid promoter of mountaineering and film, and coordinated the Banff Film Festival visits to Venezuela and was the founder of Festival Ascenso, an adventure film festival taking place every year in Caracas, Venezuela.

Explorart sends its deepest condolences to Jose Antonio's family and friends. Explorart also sends a heartfelt thank you to Edgar Guariguata for his efforts in coordinating the rescue from base camp and the wonderful Pakistani climbers Qurban Ali, Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad, Muhammad Ibrahim, Ghulam Muhammad, and Muhammad Ali for risking their lives to save a fellow climber. We will keep you all in our prayers.

About Explorart Films.
Explorart Films is an independent production company with offices in the Venezuela and the USA dedicated to the production of original award-winning feature films, documentaries, and television series for worldwide distribution. Explorart Film is committed to becoming a major player in the global independent film industry. Contact Explorart at www.explorart.com.
 
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