Fox News Reporter Mike Tobin Reaches Mount Everest Summit for Veteran Awareness

CHINA — Fox News senior correspondent Mike Tobin has reached the summit of Mount Everest, completing a challenging ascent to raise awareness about the high suicide rate among U.S. veterans and first responders. Tobin joined “America’s Newsroom” on Friday to discuss his experience climbing the world’s highest peak.

“Some people say it was one of the best summit windows in 20 years,” Tobin said. His team faced harsh conditions while witnessing other climbers descending with frostbite injuries. “I wanted to make sure that I didn’t let up because we still had a long way to get down to advanced base camp,” he added.

In 2023, twelve climbers died, and five went missing after Nepal issued 478 hiking permits. While climbing, Tobin was aware of the dangers, stating, “90% of the accidents happen on the way down.” This awareness kept him focused during the climb.

Tobin credited his wife for her support during his training. He undertook a rigorous regimen, including running with sandbags up and down the Indiana Sand Dunes. “I was trying to think, ‘Keep your head about yourself. Don’t make any mistakes,'” he said.

While in the treacherous “death zone,” over 26,247 feet high, Tobin participated in the 22 Pushup Challenge to spotlight the issue of veteran suicide. “The only way you survive the death zone is to get in and out of there as fast as you can,” he explained. His goal was to encourage anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide to reconsider their situation.

Despite the adventure, Tobin found moments of fear, particularly in the second step of the climb, a key obstacle. He noted, “I certainly was spooked at different times on the climb.” After reaching the summit, he hopes his journey will resonate with those facing personal battles.