Lincoln man reaches Everest summit

A Lincoln businessman has reached the summit of Mount Everest, making him one of the few Nebraskans to do so.

Robert Kay, who owns Star City Motor Sports, reached the summit at 9:03 p.m. Wednesday, according to his wife, Patty Kay.

She reported her husband’s progress on a blog that has followed his three previous failed attempts.

“We’re very happy for Robert,” she said in a phone interview Thursday. “It’s been a goal for a long time for him.”

Robert Kay’s third attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest ended in April 2014 after an avalanche killed a dozen Sherpa climbing guides.

His second try, in 2013, ended when severe cold threatened his fingers and toes with frostbite. And during his first climb in 2010, he was turned back by lightning and extreme cold.

Earlier on Wednesday, the 54-year-old sent his wife a message from Camp 4, nearly 3,000 feet below the summit.

“This is my time! Everyone is making me strong! Leaving at 8 p.m. Thanks to all. 40 years of dreaming is down to 12 very hard hours.”