The North Face of the the Eiger claimed two more victims September 12. The London Times reported September 18 that British climbers Matthew Hayes and Phillip O'Sullivan were killed after falling from the Second Icefield on the North Face, dubbed the "Murderwand," of the mountain during a brief but intense storm. The two were reportedly being filmed for a documentary for Britain's Channel 4.

Joe Simpson, the Times reported, author of Touching the Void, was lower on the route with a partner and said the two were simul-climbing and did not have any protection between them.

Several Austrians and Germans died attempting the North Face before it was first climbed by Heinrich Harrer, Fritz Kasparek, Anderl Heckmair and Ludwig Vorg in July of 1938. In 1966, American legend John Harlin was killed while attempting a new route on the face when the fixed rope he has ascending broke.