Two Climbers Die in Free-Soloing Accidents
Two climbers died in separate incidents in Colorado and California, only one of the climbers has been identified
There have been several climbing accidents that have had tragic endings this summer, and, sadly, we’ve learned of at least two more rock climbers who died this month. Both were free-soloing related accidents.
At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above photo). Livingston was a big part of the California climbing community and the Alpenglow Expeditions guide team. “He loved his friends and family deeply,” Alpenglow Expeditions shared shortly after the accident. “He was always the first person to crack a joke in the office, and he was a teacher and mentor to all of us at Alpenglow. We are grateful for the times and adventures we shared with him, and are heartbroken by his passing.”
One of Livingstone’s friends, Robert Kyte, shared a touching tribute, where he said, “Aaron served as an indisputable example of how the unique combination of passion and presence of mind can fuel a life worth living.” The loss of Livingstone was felt throughout climbing communities all around. Our condolences go to his family and friends.
Also earlier this month, a 29-year-old man (who has not been identified) died in an accident at Officers Wall in Colorado’s Summit County earlier this month. He was reported missing and found the following day by search and rescue technicians. Summit County Rescue Group and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that they “extend their deepest condolences to all the loved ones of the deceased.”
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