WVU Alum, Man with Multiple Ties to Harrison County, Frank Fumich, Successfully Scales Mount Everest
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 27, 2026
According to WDTV, West Virginia University alum Frank Fumich summited Mount Everest last week, reaching the top May 22nd at about 4:30 a.m. and completing a rare feat known as the “Explorers Grand Slam.”
Many know Fumich as the grandson and niece to "Gramma and Ginga." Fumich has multiple family members in Harrison County and also 
played a big part in assisting with fundraising efforts in efforts for the late youngster from Bridgeoprt, Jack Rollins, and his "Jack Strong" campaign.
played a big part in assisting with fundraising efforts in efforts for the late youngster from Bridgeoprt, Jack Rollins, and his "Jack Strong" campaign.
Fumich, who was born in Arlington and now lives in McLean, Virginia, said the climb came after more than seven months of training — plus months of prep work to help his body adjust to thinner air.
He said the timeline is more complicated than just “how many days it took,” because much of the process is acclimatization.
“I’ve been gone for a month and we had to do a lot of pre-acclimatizing,” Fumich said. “Strictly physically speaking it took about six straight days from EBC (Everest Base Camp) to the summit and back.”
Fumich said that preparation included climbing another nearby peak before the final push, as well as sleeping in a Hypoxico altitude tent at home for two months before leaving for the trip to help his body adjust to lower oxygen levels.
He also brought a West Virginia University flag with him, saying his connection to the Mountain State runs deep.
“Both my parents are from West Virginia. My dad was from Morgantown and attended WVU. My mom was born in Clarksburg,” Fumich said. “I’m proud of my West Virginia roots and love my alma mater, so I also love taking a WVU flag/banner and hat to climb the mountains I’ve done.”
Fumich said summiting Everest completes his Seven Summits goal — climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. He also skied to both the North Pole and South Pole. Together, those accomplishments are known as the “Explorers Grand Slam,” which he said only about 75 people have ever completed.
Mount Everest stands more than 29,000 feet above sea level and is widely considered one of the most physically demanding and dangerous climbs in the world. Official records show only a few thousand individuals have reached the summit since the first ascent in 1953 — putting Fumich in a rare group worldwide.
