Tragedy x 3: Alpine Climbing Greats Andi Orgler and Kasper Ochsner Dead as Well…

April 30, 2007

Today has been a day of tragedy in the climbing World. As mentioned in a previous post (found just below this one) Lara Kellogg has reportedly died on Mt. Wake and now more tragedy coming in from the world of Alpine Climbing as being reported from The Alpinist.

Andi Orgler, from Austria, has apparently been killed in a hang-gliding accident in a competition in Australia after his equipment Malfunctioned.

Andi Orgler was famous in the world of Alpine Climbing for putting up many first ascents, as well as many first ski descents. His popularity grew throughout the climbing world during the 1980’s and 90’s as he converged on an amazing series of ascents in The Ruth Gorge in Alaska with differing partners. For his amazing climbs in The Ruth Gorge, Orgler was awarded the Piolet de’Or in 1995.

It is also being noted that another famed Alpinist, Kasper Ochsner has dissappeared while attempting a solo, winter climb of the Engelhorner. Ochsner was a Swiss Mountain Guide, Ski Instructor, as well as part owner of a well known Swiss climbing shop.

Oschner was well known in Switzerland as a pioneer in Alpine Rock Climbing, having put up many of the toughest routes in Switzerland. Oschner also put up a new route on The Eiger as well.

One Day, Three Tragic Deaths. Kellogg, Orgler, and Ochsner will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered for their individual contributions to the world of mountain climbing.

As always with a death in the climbing community, The Adventurist will go to “black” mode as a symbol of mourning and respect for our fallen brothers and sister.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the climbers’ family and friends as they try to cope with today’ tragedies. They will be missed dearly.

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