Rep. Carolyn Maloney's Husband Dies During Mountain Climb

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is said to be "numb but heartbroken" after learning yesterday that her husband Clifton Maloney died on his way down from a mountain hiking expedition in Tibet. Reports are that 71-year-old Clifton Maloney's final words were "I’m the happiest man in the world. I’ve just summited a beautiful mountain." The couple have been married for 33 years and have two daughters, ages 28 and 21. Friends describe he and the congresswoman, who represents parts of Manhattan and Queens, as "unbelievably intertwined" and "one of the happiest couples" they know.

Mr. Maloney reportedly died in his sleep while at base camp of Cho Oyu in Tibet after reaching its summit Thursday—the sixth highest peak in the world. He was an active outdoorsman who had finished the New York City Marathon 20 times. Clifton Maloney worked as a very successful investment banker, a vice president at Goldman Sachs before starting his own investment firm, C. H. W. Maloney & Company, in 1981. Yesterday Congresswoman Maloney told the News, "We're trying to get him off the mountain. It's just so terrible." There was speculation that Secretary of State Clinton may intervene because because China doesn't allow helicopters into its air space.

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By Billy Parker in News on September 27, 2009 11:25 AM

Comments [rss]

raji

Am I the only one who noticed his name is Cliff?

VanessaNYC

I feel for his wife Carolyn but also for his two daughters, who are just 28 and 21 years old. As the other commenters noted, as least he died happy.

Rocknrope

There's probably no better way for an active outdoorsman to go - in his sleep after summiting.

nurserachet

Even though he died doing it, it's FUCKING AMAZING he climbed the 6th tallest mountain in the world at 71. That's awesome.

Agreed with the above, at least he died happy.

thelexiphane

I agree w/ Jen. There's dying in one's sleep; and then there's dying in one's sleep at a base camp in Tibet after summiting one of the Himalayas after a long, prosperous, and active life. I think his family can take comfort that he died happy.