On August 1st 11 climbers went missing. It sounds like a big chunk of ice broke off near the summit and took three down. It screwed up the decent path and ropes which stranded several others above in the death zone (not enough O2 to support life). Eight more died in the decent; I believe there may have been another avalanche at that time. This includes the first Irishman to reach the summit. He lived in Alaska and was the decade long boyfriend of my best friend's wife's co-worker.
from Wiki:
The peak has now been climbed by almost all of its ridges. Although the summit of Everest is at a higher altitude, K2 is a much more difficult and dangerous climb, due in part to its terrible weather and comparatively greater height above surrounding terrain. The mountain is believed by many to be the world's most difficult and dangerous climb, hence its nickname "the Savage Mountain." As of August 2008, only 305 people have completed the ascent,[21] compared with about 2,600 individuals who have ascended the more popular target of Everest. At least 76 people have died attempting the climb.
