How news of Sir Ed's passing went round the world

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New Zealand's sadness at news Ed Hillary had gone was quickly shared with millions around the world.
CNN video tribute

The BBC broke into its programming to announce the news while CNN quickly had a long and moving piece, clearly prepared ahead of time.

World news websites were quickly dominated by the story.

CNN ran a big banner announcing the news across the top of its home page – indicative of the enormous standing Ed had in the United States.

The India and Nepal news website Sify.com was quickly running an Associated Press story.

The London Times leads with the story: "Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who was catapulted into the history books when he became the first man to climb Everest, died last night at the age of 88".

The Guardian quickly had local reaction with British adventurer and environmentalist Pen Hadow say Hillary's death "closes one of the great chapters of planetary exploration".

"He was physically and metaphorically at the pinnacle of high adventure," said Hadow.

Because of Hillary's conquest of Everest "millions of people will know him and will and will be affected in some way by his passing".

The Sydney Morning Herald included one of Ed's quotes, summing up his life: "In some ways I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed."

- © Fairfax NZ News