6 Young adults successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro to cross off Tom's bucket list

In a powerful tribute to their brother and friend, six young adults conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, standing atop the African giant in Tanzania after days of grueling ascent. This unforgettable achievement was not just a remarkable physical feat but a heartfelt memorial to Tommy Costello, a passionate adventurer who had dreamed of summiting the iconic peak himself before his untimely passing.

The group, consisting of close friends and family members, embarked on this journey with one shared purpose: to honor Tommy's memory and carry out the adventure he had longed to experience. Tommy, an avid hiker, had always spoken of his dream to conquer Kilimanjaro, and though he never had the chance, his spirit guided the climbers as they trekked through the mountain's varied landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren, icy summits.

Leading the group was Tommy’s sisters, Sarah and Ashley Costello, who described the climb as an emotional and cathartic experience. "It was Tommy's dream, and to be able to reach the top in his honor was something beyond words. Every step we took felt like he was right there with us," they said through tears as the group celebrated their accomplishment at the summit.

The group, who ranged in age from their early twenties to early thirties, had trained for months leading up to the trek. They faced tough physical challenges, including unpredictable weather, altitude sickness, and extreme fatigue. But their determination and deep emotional connection to Tommy fueled their perseverance.

"Each of us had a moment during the climb when we felt Tommy’s presence," said Ben Cross, a close friend of Tommy’s. "Whether it was a word of encouragement or a shared memory of him, we knew he was with us every step of the way."

The group reached the summit, Uhuru Peak, on January 27th, 2024, after a week-long journey. They were greeted with stunning views of the surrounding Tanzanian landscape, standing at 19,341 feet above sea level. With arms raised and tears in their eyes, they shared a final moment of reflection in honor of their beloved Tommy, whose spirit they said would forever live on in their hearts. The group was able to scatter some of Tom's ashes at Uhuru peak, ensuring that Tom also finally conquered Kili.

Though Tommy never made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the summit reached by his loved ones will forever serve as a testament to his passion for adventure, the bonds of friendship, and the unbreakable ties of family.

Thank you to all the climbers:

Ashley Costello

Sarah Costello

Jessie Berry

Annie Cross

Ben Cross

Patrick Sweeney

Click here to watch WCCO news article on our summit: