Three of the world’s top alpinists, American Jess Roskelley and Austrians Hansjörg Auer and David Lama, are dead after an avalanche on Howse Peak in Canada last week. They were attempting M16, a difficult route up the mountain near Banff. The men were members of The North Face Global Athlete Team. Climbers, athletes, and others who knew them began sharing remembrances following the tragic news.
Conrad Anker, Mountaineer
Adrian Ballinger, Mountaineer and Everest Guide
Killian Jornet, Ski Mountaineer and Mountain Runner
Iker and Eneko Pou, Basque Climbers (translated from Spanish)
Hansjörg Auer, David Lama and Jess Roskelley. We still do not believe it. Hansjörg was one of our companions on the expedition this fall to Himalayas. The three teammates at @thenorthface. The loss is irreparable both personally and for the mountain
Karim Shah Nizari, Pakistani Climber and Guide
Cedar Wright, Climber and Filmmaker
American Alpine Club
Sasha DiGiulian, Climber
Statement from The North Face
David Lama’s Parents (Translated from German)
David dedicated his life to the mountains and his passion for climbing and alpinism shaped and accompanied our family. He always followed his own path and lived his dream. We will accept what now happened as a part of that.⠀
We appreciate the numerous positive words and thoughts from near and far. Please understand that there will be no further comments from our side. We ask you to remember David for his zest for life, his enthusiasm and with a view towards his beloved mountains.
Our thoughts are with Hansjörg’s and Jess‘ family.
Claudia & Rinzi Lama