A mountaineer, author and filmmaker who co-directed and co-produced a 1998 IMAX documentary about climbing Mount Everest has died.

But away from the crowds and human waste that have earned Everest a bad reputation in recent years, climbers are still trying to forge new routes up the world's highest peak. There are around 20 routes up Everest, but the majority of visitors and expedition groups stick to two main paths. Richards, 38, and Mena, 29, like many climbers, are seeking new thrills on previously trodden territory. Richards has already reached the summit four times, Mena has climbed the mountain twice. "Everest, because regardless of what's reported on it, keeps getting more and more busy," Richards added.