Who was Michael Matthews? Spencer and James’ brother who died climbing Mount Everest in 1999 – The Sun | The Sun
THE Matthews' brothers Spencer and James are well known for their showbiz lifestyle.
But behind all the glitz and glamour, they both share a secret heartbreak – the death of their beloved brother Michael.
Who was Michael Matthews?
Spencer and James Matthews' brother Michael was just 23 when he died.
He is the son of a self-made millionaire, who shared his father's ambitious drive.
Michael was already a successful trader in the City of London at the time of his death.
He was the middle son of the Matthews family.
Read more on Michael Matthews
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How did Michael die?
Michael Matthews disappeared as he made a bid to become the youngest Brit to climb the world’s highest peak in May 1999.
He was lost in heavy snow and fierce gales on Mount Everest's infamous Death Zone, more than 8,000 metres high.
Michael was the 162nd person to die on Everest and his body has never been found.
James Matthews was close to tragic Michael and was only 18 months older.
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Michael was an experienced mountain climber who had scaled the Swiss Alps, the Pyrenees and Kilimanjaro before he tackled Everest.
The trip cost him £22,000 through a company called Out There Trekking.
Michael led the climbing pack but the team said he struggled near the end and was the last to reach the peak.
They spent 20 minutes enjoying the view from the peak before descending using climbing ropes.
On the way down they were hit by a bad storm an 100mph winds and Michael got separated from the group.
What has Spencer said about his brother Michael's death?
Speaking on Loose Women Spencer said: "When you lose someone, their memory lives on. It's always nice to think about them. I was ten, he was 22. He was the youngest to climb Everest."
He went on: "He lives on in our family. We celebrate his birthday every year," Spencer said, adding: "Whenever you feel like giving up, you always think of them and it stops you.
"Mike was a very tough person to live up to. We try to treat every day like he did. He was very successful."
In 2023 Spencer released a documentary on Disney+ Finding Michael where he retraces his brother's last footsteps on Everest.
Speaking about this journey, he told The One Show: "When we took the difficult decision to undertake the mission I knew I wanted to be there myself.
"We scrapped together any information we had. Some of the footage of Michael on the mountain I'd never seen before.
"It was the first time I'd seen him on camera, because as a kid we didn't do home movies or anything.
"Retracing his steps and understanding his final days a bit better was quite cathartic for me…"
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