Incredibly puzzling. The three surviving members didn't make the summit did they? It seems like the missing hiker, would have gotten where he was by descending from the summit.
But one report said that he separated to help his crew find a descent route...
Maybe the SW slope's lower-angle were less intimidating than trying to re-descend the MR? Maybe he went up the N. Face (considering his pack was discovered N. of the MR proper.
Note: I can't see the pix you posted until I get to my laptop at home, that might help clarify some of the psoitioning.
