'Shattered hearts': Free solo pioneer dies after Squamish climbing accident
The international climbing community is coming together to mourn Will Stanhope, an acclaimed B.C. rock climber who died in Squamish this past week.
Authorities were notified that a climber had fallen from a Stawamus Chief route on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13.
Though Squamish Search and Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics attended the scene and were able to locate Stanhope to transport him to the hospital, the professional climber passed away late last week.
His family posted an update on his Instagram account to his almost 38,000 followers.
“It is with shattered hearts that we share the news that our beloved Will passed away yesterday,” his family posted on April 24. “A severe head injury sustained after a fall on a route called Rutabaga, on the Squamish Chief, was the cause.”
View this post on Instagram
The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) rock guide had several climbing accomplishments to his credit, including the first free ascent of a route called “The Tom Egan Memorial Route” on Snowpatch Spire in B.C.’s The Bugaboos mountain range.
The climb, which was made with climbing partner Matt Segal, was the culmination of four years of work and was turned into an outdoor film titled The Boys in the Bugs.
Stanhope, along with Tim Emmett, was also the first to complete a free ascent of a new route on the south ridge of Combatant Mountain in B.C.
“Will lived with a passion and courage that most of us only dream of. He had a prodigious memory and great stories,” shared his family.
“He was a kind and gentle man with a fantastic sense of humour. The rock was his home, and the climbing community was his family. He faced every ascent with an inspiring spirit.”
Will Stanhope/Instagram
Colleagues and climbers from around the world shared their condolences with Stanhope’s family online following the “heartbreaking news.”
“Truly one of the funniest, most humble, most adventurous souls to walk this earth,” shared one commenter.
“His passing is a huge loss to the climbing community and to the world at large,” added another.
Stanhope’s family expressed their gratitude for the community’s support, which the professional climber had held so dear.
“To all of you who climbed with him, followed his journey, and loved him: thank you for being part of his adventurous life. Your memories of Will are hugely appreciated.”
A celebration of Stanhope’s life is also being organized in Squamish for some time this spring.