American Alpine Club President Dies in Avalanche

Doug Walker was the president of the American Alpine Club and an accomplished climber and backcountry enthusiast.

Walker, 64, died after being caught in an avalanche while snowshoeing on Granite Mountain in Washington. His group waited for him at the trailhead and launched a rescue after he did not return. Over 50 people took part in the rescue operation and found Walker on Fri., Dec. 1.

In 2014, he became the president of the American Alpine Club and was an avid conservationist. He served on the boards of multiple nonprofits, including Conservation Lands Foundations, The Wilderness Society and The Sierra Club Foundation.

The American Alpine Club issued a statement after the news of Walker’s death:

‘We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of AAC President Doug Walker. Doug was killed in an avalanche on Granite Mountain yesterday. Our CEO Phil Powers had this to say about Doug, ‘Doug Walker’s leadership at the AAC was the secret weapon that cemented the Club as one that welcomes and represents all climbers.

“He led the capital campaign that funded our growth and stepped from that directly into leading our board with strength and grace.

“He was not only a mentor and adviser for me; he was a climbing partner and friend Doug had a serious commitment to conservation of mountain landscapes and promotion of the climbing way of life.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Doug Walker Fund through the American Alpine Club: www.americanalpineclub.org/donate.