SOLUKHUMBU: An Australian mountaineer has died after scaling the world's fifth highest peak without oxygen. Mick Parker, 36, reached the summit of the 8462m Makalu in Nepal on May 21 before fighting his way back to Kathmandu suffering oedema - a build-up of fluid under the skin. After blacking out several times during the journey, Mr Parker died last Thursday. Described by friends and family as a free-spirited and lovable man, Mr Parker scaled five peaks above 8000m - all without oxygen or Sherpas. A graphic designer from Warrandyte, he led Australian Army Alpine Association climbers to negotiate some of the world's most treacherous mountains.