Colorado climber, skier Michael Gardner dies while climbing Nepal mountain: Reports
An American skier has reportedly died in a mountain climbing accident in Nepal.
Colorado native Michael Gardner, 32, died Monday while climbing Nepal's Jannu East mountain, according to Gardner's sponsor Arc'teryx. In an Instagram post, the outdoor apparel company confirmed that his longtime climbing partner who accompanied him, Sam Hennessey, is safe after the incident.
Gardner fell to his death in Nepal’s Kangchenjunga region after attempting a new route with Hennessey up the North Face, Climbing Magazine reported.
Hennessey, who successfully descended the route, encountered a French team who he safely completed the route with, according to the outlet. The group searched for Gardner's body, but only found some clothing and personal equipment belonging to him. A drone search was also unsuccessful.
It was Hennessey's third attempt climbing north face of Jannu East and his second attempt with Gardner, according to French French mountain outlet Alpine Mag.
Gardner's father died in 2008 climbing accident
Born in 1991 in Ridgway, Colorado, Gardner is a second generation mountain guide having learned from his father, according to Arc'teryx.
However, Gardner lost his father, George Gardner, at age 16 in a 2008 climbing accident in "a moment that reset the way he viewed the mountains and guided his trajectory ever since."
George fell to his death during a solo venture up the Grand Teton, according to Climbing Magazine.
Mike was a 'true climber's climber'
Gardner is survived by his mother Colleen and his sister Megan, Climbing Magazine reported.
"We knew Mike as everyone’s favourite person. He was curious and loving. He had a smile and way about him that drew you in. He loved sharing knowledge and truly engaging in human interaction," Arc'teryx wrote in a tribute post. "A skateboarder, skier, climber, enthusiastic skijorer, writer and mountain guide, he refused to be boxed in by any label and pursued anything that intrigued him."
Among his massive list of accomplishments, Gardner showed aptitude at climbing rock walls and mountain peaks at blistering speed.
"He wasn’t one to boast, had no ego to mention, and was a true climber’s climber," the company wrote. "The pursuit was never 'about him' - his passion was to share his missions and objectives as if to say, 'see what a good time we had?' and invite you to step into the dream with him. His motivations were pure; to push the boundaries of sport, and do it with ethics, style and homage to those who came before."