Barbara Hillary, renowned for being the first African-American woman to reach the North Pole in January 2007 at the age of 79 has passed away.
Hillary had a record of lung cancer, which she battled and survived at age 67. She has also fought and survived breast cancer which she fought at her younger age.
Barbara Hillary died at the age of 88. The actual cause of her death is unknown.
Last night the incredible Barbara Hillary (@northsouthpole) passed away at age 88. Barbara was the 1st African American woman to travel to both the North and South Pole, and she did so in her seventies! We had the joy of meeting and interviewing Barbara for our Spring Issue. pic.twitter.com/80ghJVP2J3
— Unearth Women (@UnearthWomen) November 23, 2019
Barbara lived a life of adventure up until the very end, having traveled to Mongolia earlier this year. A light in the world has extinguished but we will always remember Barbara’s glow ❤️ Read our interview with Barbara here. https://t.co/6EOw6yLUs9
— Unearth Women (@UnearthWomen) November 23, 2019
Dear friends, Barbara Hillary has died. She was 88 and had suffered significant health decline in recent months. She lives on in history, in the hearts of those who loved her, and in the inspiration she gave to so many. @northsouthpole #NorthPole #SouthPole #Mongolia #Explorer
— Barbara Hillary (@northsouthpole) November 23, 2019