A MOUNTAINEER hit by an avalanche whilst climbing the world’s fifth-highest peak has died in her partner’s arms.

Shelley Johannesen, 53, was killed just days after reaching the peak of Mount Makalu in Nepal.

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Shelley Johannesen died in the arms of her partner David AshleyCredit: Jam Press
 

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Shelley was an experienced climber who had previously tried to scale Mount EverestCredit: Jam Press
The mother-of-three was scaling the mountain alongside her partner David Ashley and two Nepali guides when the tragedy unfolded.

The team had successfully reached the 8,485-metre summit on May 9.

But on May 11 a rope fixed into the mountainside reportedly broke and triggered a fatal avalanche.

Shelley, from Oregon, died from her injuries at a height of around 7,200 metres.

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The soaring summit of Mount Makalu at 8481 metresCredit: Getty
 

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The adventurer from Oregon died of her injuries on the mountainCredit: Jam Press
She was an experienced climber who co-founded expedition company Dash Adventures alongside her partner David Ashley.

Mount Makalu is one of the world’s most difficult mountains to climb, in part due to unpredictable weather conditions.

In one of her last posts to social media, Shelley said that it was “going to be a tough climb”.

But she added: “I am excited to see, experience, feel what I have to offer this mountain.”

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Tragically her dreams and high hopes came to a terrible end.

In a heart-breaking post, her partner David said that she “died in my arms high on the mountain”.

“Shelley was not just an incredible person, but lived her life with no limits chased her passions around the world”, he added.

“I am still trying to understand this loss, and my heart goes out to her family at this time”.

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The pair were travelling up the mountain together when the tragic accident occurredCredit: Jam Press
 

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Her partner David described the loss of Shelley as ‘soul-crushing’Credit: Jam Press
In her final social media post, she said that she was “so grateful to be here in Nepal”.

One comment beneath reads: “I can’t even look at this without crying now knowing this is your last post”.

Another said: “Shelley you were your own icon! Your love for adventure was envied by me. I loved your posts and loved how you devoured life!”

It comes as another pro rock climber plummeted to his death last month.

Will Stanhope, 39, suffered a severe head injury after falling 66ft down a mountain in Canada.