The Climbers We Lost in 2025

At the beginning of each year, we compile this tribute to climbers who passed away the year prior. The 2025 list includes 35 climbers, ranging in age from 18 to 90. Some died of natural causes, among family and friends. Others lost their lives in accidents involving free soloing, rappelling, and falls in the alpine.

Some of the climbers we lost in 2025 were well-known for their accomplishments; others were undercover crushers. They established new routes in places like Yosemite, Boulder’s Eldorado Canyon, Utah’s Wasatch Range, Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake, and Nepal. They competed on the international sport climbing circuit, achieved daring solos, produced documentaries, founded companies, and pushed the limits of alpine climbing. One was a pillar of the Memphis Rox climbing gym. Another holds the distinction of being Yosemite’s first climbing ranger.

Many of the climbers remembered here served as cornerstones of their local communities. They wrote guidebooks, developed new routes, guided others up mountains, and taught more people to climb. They were Olympic gold medalists, snow scientists, tech innovators, award-winning photographers, coaches, former dirtbags, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and cherished friends.

We want to thank everyone—friends, family, partners—who contributed obituaries this year. We also want to acknowledge that, despite our best efforts, this list is almost certainly incomplete. If there is a climber who should be added, please reach out to us using this form. And for anyone experiencing a loss, we recommend visiting the American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund.

Creating this list is always both somber and reflective, reminding us of the dangers inherent in our sport, our rich history, and our strong community. Please be safe out there.

—Maya Silver, Anthony Walsh, and Sam MacIlwaine

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