Mountain climber who was ‘waiting for death’ describes experiencing ‘third man syndrome’ that saved his life

A mountain climber has recalled his experience of 'third man syndrome' after suffering a near fatal fall during an avalanche.

Back in spring 1983, Dr. Jim Sevigny had been climbing with his friend Richard Whitmire when they were 'avalanched off the route' in the Canadian Rockies and fell 600 metres to the bottom.

Sevigny had fallen unconscious and later woke up to discover that his climbing partner had since passed away.

Although he was alive, Sevigny wasn't in a better situation, as he had suffered multiple broken bones and internal injuries.

"I knew the chance of living was very slim," he recalled.

"So effectively I just laid down knowing that death was near and it would be an easier way to go."

Thankfully, a presence was on-hand to guide him out of the situation.

Dr Jim Sevigny experienced the phenomena after falling due to an avalanche (YouTube/TheRunningManReturns)

What is 'third man syndrome'?

Originally written about in Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1919 book South, third man syndrome is a phenomena which is said to occur when someone is in a critical or life-threatening moment.

According to those who have experienced it, the presence or 'third man' appears as a person who is there to bring you guidance, comfort or even help to get out of the life-threatening situation.

It's not fully understood why people experience third man syndrome, with some people arguing that it is the body's response to a situation of extreme stress or mortal danger, while others believe it is a spirit guide or guardian angel.

Sevigny's experience isn't unique (Getty Stock Images)

Recalling his experience of third man syndrome, Sevigny explained that he heard a voice over his right shoulder, which told him, 'No you have to try, you can't die'.

He then went on to explain how this voice was able to guide him for the rest of the journey such as 'get that coat' or 'get that water bottle'.

As he continued his journey down the valley and to safety, Sevigny referred to the presence as a 'constant companion'.

"It was a companion, I was never scared with the voice," he continued, before adding that the voice eventually disappeared after he was able to flag down a pair of skiers and get to safety.

Sevigny was also clear when it came to the importance of the voice, adding: "I don't think I would've been able to do what I did without that help."

He would later receive medical attention where it was revealed that he had suffered an extensive list of injuries, which included: broken back, injured knees, a fractured arm, an arm with nerve damage, a broken scapula, cracked ribs, broken teeth, a broken nose and was bleeding internally. He would later go on to speak to John Geiger about his experience for his 2008 book The Third Man Factor: Surviving the Impossible.