New Delhi, April 9 -- Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, died on Tuesday, April 7, at the age of 97. The celebrated mountaineer died at his home in Port Townsend, Washington, according to his family.

"Whether at home, in the mountains, or at sea, he sought to share adventure, joy, and optimism with those around him," the family said in a statement emailed to the Associated Press (AP).

"His warmth, humility, and belief in the power of nature to bring people together left an enduring legacy of care for our planet and for one another."

In an 1980 interview, Whittaker said that he hoped to "die in my sleep with the television on".

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dianne Roberts; sons Bob, Joss and Leif Whitt...