 In the summer of 1912 – 13 , Mertz and Ninnis were chosen by Mawson to accompany him on the Far Eastern Party , using the dogs to push rapidly from the expedition 's base in Adélie Land towards Victoria Land . After Ninnis and a sledge carrying most of the food disappeared down a crevasse , 311 miles ( 501 km ) from the hut , Mertz and Mawson headed back west , gradually using the dogs to supplement their remaining food stocks . About 100 miles ( 160 km ) from safety , Mertz died , leaving Mawson to carry on alone . The cause of Mertz 's death has never been firmly established ; the commonly purported theory is hypervitaminosis A ( an excessive intake of vitamin A ) from consuming the livers of the Huskies . Other theories suggest he may have died from a combination of malnutrition , a change in diet , cold exposure , and psychological stresses . 
