HUTCHINSON, Kan. — He was left to die on the world’s tallest mountain three times.
Dr. Beck Weathers was the speaker for today’s Dillon Lecture Series and brought his story to HCC. 
Weathers was a part of one of the deadliest days on Mt Everest when a storm swept up on the mountain killing eight people. Weathers was left to die on the mount three times but survived to tell about it.
Weathers says the whole event made him realize what is truly important in his life and helped save his marriage and family. He says that he started climbing to deal with severe depression and says trying to conquer the highest mountains in the world was a way to deal with it.
Despite the loss of both hands and damage to his feet and face, Weathers says it was worth it simply because it changed his outlook on life for the better. A group of students were on hand during Weathers press conference, and was asked if any of these students wanted to climb Everest what it would take. Weathers told them that if they didn’t have anyone to care about, if no one cared about them, if they have no tie downs or other commitments to others, and you were willing to inflict more pain, and suffering on yourself than you’ve ever felt before, you could consider it.
Weathers also told the group that they need to realize how important family and friends are to you before taking on risks such as climbing.