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According to a report on The Himalayan times website, Swiss Alpinist Ueli Steck - known as the 'Swiss Machine' - has died in an accident near Camp I on Mount Everest. His body was discovered by six rescuers near the Nuptse Face of Everest on Sunday morning local time.Read more In reply to UKC News:
Seen this on Facebook earlier. Very sad news. When the boundaries are pushed. Bad things happen. Rip ueli.
Seen this on Facebook earlier. Very sad news. When the boundaries are pushed. Bad things happen. Rip ueli.
In reply to UKC News:
Sad news.. gutted, huge inspiration to myself and others.. died doing what he did and loved most.. RIP and Condolences to his family.. Always be a legend and true athlete in my head.
Sad news.. gutted, huge inspiration to myself and others.. died doing what he did and loved most.. RIP and Condolences to his family.. Always be a legend and true athlete in my head.
In reply to UKC News:
We would always hear about Ueli's amazing record breaking solo efforts and as someone who knew exactly what he was doing. RIP Ueli Steck.
We would always hear about Ueli's amazing record breaking solo efforts and as someone who knew exactly what he was doing. RIP Ueli Steck.
Post edited at 10:34
In reply to FreshSlate:
Yes. I somehow imagined he'd live to grow old like other very skilled climbers and mountaineers.
Yes. I somehow imagined he'd live to grow old like other very skilled climbers and mountaineers.
In reply to UKC News:
Tragic news but not unsurprising when you spend as much time in the mountains as he did always pushing the envelope as much as he did. A truly remarkable athlete who achieved so much. Condolences to family and friends.
Tragic news but not unsurprising when you spend as much time in the mountains as he did always pushing the envelope as much as he did. A truly remarkable athlete who achieved so much. Condolences to family and friends.
In reply to UKC News:
One of those stories that I hoped was Fake News at first. Gutted. RIP Ueli and condolences to all those affected by the loss of a great man.
One of those stories that I hoped was Fake News at first. Gutted. RIP Ueli and condolences to all those affected by the loss of a great man.
In reply to UKC News:
I've been taking some time for this to sink in. I don't have many people that inspire me, and Ueli was one of those.
Always engaging to listen to. Will be greatly missed.
RIP
I've been taking some time for this to sink in. I don't have many people that inspire me, and Ueli was one of those.
Always engaging to listen to. Will be greatly missed.
RIP
In reply to UKC News:
Really sad to hear this news , he was one of a kind. Somehow, watching him climb, he seemed indestructible ; R.I.P Ueli ..
Really sad to hear this news , he was one of a kind. Somehow, watching him climb, he seemed indestructible ; R.I.P Ueli ..
In reply to UKC News:
Really sad to hear this news , he was one of a kind. Somehow, watching him climb, he seemed indestructible ; R.I.P Ueli ..
Really sad to hear this news , he was one of a kind. Somehow, watching him climb, he seemed indestructible ; R.I.P Ueli ..
In reply to UKC News:
Very sad, as said already totally inspirational and seemed indestructible, the loss of a legend
Very sad, as said already totally inspirational and seemed indestructible, the loss of a legend
In reply to climber34neil:
I agree, however Ueli knew to himself that incessant speed soloing record seeking was unsustainable. A few years ago he appeared and stated that he was stepping back a bit from his own cutting edge.
RIP
> Very sad, as said already totally inspirational and seemed indestructible, the loss of a legend
I agree, however Ueli knew to himself that incessant speed soloing record seeking was unsustainable. A few years ago he appeared and stated that he was stepping back a bit from his own cutting edge.
RIP
Post edited at 12:03
In reply to Rick Graham:
I was trying to find that vid just earlier as I remember him saying many of his earlier contemporarys had perished because they didn't know when to stop. It just goes to show what a drug this all is.
I was trying to find that vid just earlier as I remember him saying many of his earlier contemporarys had perished because they didn't know when to stop. It just goes to show what a drug this all is.
In reply to UKC News:
Genuinely gutted. He inspired me so much I had one of his quotes tattooed on my arm. A great man. RIP brother
Genuinely gutted. He inspired me so much I had one of his quotes tattooed on my arm. A great man. RIP brother
In reply to UKC News:
Terrible news, that video of him storming up the Eiger always made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
Terrible news, that video of him storming up the Eiger always made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
In reply to olddirtydoggy:
I think its really unfair to imply an addiction leading to inevitable higher risk. In many ways what Ueli did was safer as 'just being there' is one of the most dangerous things in Himalayan mountaineering and so moving fast probably reduced risks. We have no idea if this wasn't just really bad luck that kills sherpas, clients and independant mountaineers regularly and will continue to do so in the future. I think too many project their own insecurites about certain climbing games in such circumstances.
I'm sure we can all agree its really sad news.
I think its really unfair to imply an addiction leading to inevitable higher risk. In many ways what Ueli did was safer as 'just being there' is one of the most dangerous things in Himalayan mountaineering and so moving fast probably reduced risks. We have no idea if this wasn't just really bad luck that kills sherpas, clients and independant mountaineers regularly and will continue to do so in the future. I think too many project their own insecurites about certain climbing games in such circumstances.
I'm sure we can all agree its really sad news.
In reply to UKC News:
Statement from his facebook page:
"April 30, 2017
Information to the media
Ueli Steck deadly injured
Ueli Steck was killed while trying to climb Mount Everest and the Lhotse. His family has learned of his death today. The exact circumstances are currently unknown. The family is infinitely sad and asks the media builders to refrain from speculation about the circumstances of his death due to respect for Ueli.
As soon as there are reliable findings on the causes of Uelis Steck's death, the media will be informed. The family asks the media for understanding that they will not provide any further information at the time."
RIP, legend
Statement from his facebook page:
"April 30, 2017
Information to the media
Ueli Steck deadly injured
Ueli Steck was killed while trying to climb Mount Everest and the Lhotse. His family has learned of his death today. The exact circumstances are currently unknown. The family is infinitely sad and asks the media builders to refrain from speculation about the circumstances of his death due to respect for Ueli.
As soon as there are reliable findings on the causes of Uelis Steck's death, the media will be informed. The family asks the media for understanding that they will not provide any further information at the time."
RIP, legend
In reply to UKC News:
Was saddened to learn of this this morning. Alex Honnold, I would have been equally as saddened but would not have been so surprised. Ueli however? I envisioned him getting old in the mountains.
Was saddened to learn of this this morning. Alex Honnold, I would have been equally as saddened but would not have been so surprised. Ueli however? I envisioned him getting old in the mountains.
In reply to UKC News:
Such sad news.
RIP Ueli. The greatest alpinist of his generation in my very humble opinion.
Such sad news.
RIP Ueli. The greatest alpinist of his generation in my very humble opinion.
Post edited at 13:13
In reply to UKC News:
awful, awful news. Quite apart from seeming to be on another level altogether, he gave every impression of being a totally decent bloke too.
awful, awful news. Quite apart from seeming to be on another level altogether, he gave every impression of being a totally decent bloke too.
In reply to UKC News:
Very sorry to hear this. He was an inspiration. Condolences to his family and friends.
Very sorry to hear this. He was an inspiration. Condolences to his family and friends.
In reply to UKC News:
Genuinely sad news, as it is when anyone looses their life. A great inspiration, a great innovator, a great ambassador and visionary climber...someone who has changed climbing rather than just been a climber.
He seemed a genuinely nice and humble guy too, tho I've never met him.
Sincere condolences to his family.
The world is definitely worse for his passing.
Genuinely sad news, as it is when anyone looses their life. A great inspiration, a great innovator, a great ambassador and visionary climber...someone who has changed climbing rather than just been a climber.
He seemed a genuinely nice and humble guy too, tho I've never met him.
Sincere condolences to his family.
The world is definitely worse for his passing.
In reply to UKC News:
It's going to take a long time for me to recpver from this one. I've followed Ueli since I first took an interest in mountaineering 10 years ago. I knew everything he did, watched every interview and read every article. When I was training I read his thoughts on training for inspiration.
This is especially sad since he said he was done with high risk Himalayan alpinism after Annapurna. He thought it would be reckless to push it further. Turns out he was right.
I thought the news was a joke at first because he just seemed to sensible and competent. That's how good he was, that I just couldn't believe it.
I read about it when I was out climbing, paying my dues until I can climb the same routes he was on. Which was... I don't know what it was.
I don't think I'll ever forget him.
It's going to take a long time for me to recpver from this one. I've followed Ueli since I first took an interest in mountaineering 10 years ago. I knew everything he did, watched every interview and read every article. When I was training I read his thoughts on training for inspiration.
This is especially sad since he said he was done with high risk Himalayan alpinism after Annapurna. He thought it would be reckless to push it further. Turns out he was right.
I thought the news was a joke at first because he just seemed to sensible and competent. That's how good he was, that I just couldn't believe it.
I read about it when I was out climbing, paying my dues until I can climb the same routes he was on. Which was... I don't know what it was.
I don't think I'll ever forget him.
Post edited at 14:37
In reply to UKC News:
Very sad news. The most inspiring Alpinist of his generation. He had it all: an outstanding rock and winter climbing ability as well a high endurance capacity. Add to that suitable altitude genetics and inspiring objectives and you get an Ueli Steck as a result.
Unfortunately, the risk was that high that such an accident was a possibility and perhaps even likely.
Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.
Very sad news. The most inspiring Alpinist of his generation. He had it all: an outstanding rock and winter climbing ability as well a high endurance capacity. Add to that suitable altitude genetics and inspiring objectives and you get an Ueli Steck as a result.
Unfortunately, the risk was that high that such an accident was a possibility and perhaps even likely.
Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.
In reply to UKC News:
Incredibly sad news. Huge amount of respect for a truly inspirational and visionary athlete.
Incredibly sad news. Huge amount of respect for a truly inspirational and visionary athlete.
In reply to UKC News:
Massive loss to mountaineering and certainly my hero.
Went to a lecture he done a couple of years back. Genuinely nice guy as well
RIP
Massive loss to mountaineering and certainly my hero.
Went to a lecture he done a couple of years back. Genuinely nice guy as well
RIP
In reply to UKC News:
Very sad news, my som has a poster of him on his wall, saw him speak last year in London, seemed very down to earth. Condolences to family and friends.
Very sad news, my som has a poster of him on his wall, saw him speak last year in London, seemed very down to earth. Condolences to family and friends.
The Himalayan Times Article has the line...
"The team has collected the scattered parts of the climber’s body".... which sounds fairly grim
"The team has collected the scattered parts of the climber’s body".... which sounds fairly grim
In reply to idiotproof (Buxton MC):
I took that to be a mistranslation of belongings/kit...rather hopefully.
> The Himalayan Times Article has the line... "The team has collected the scattered parts of the climber’s body".... which sounds fairly grim
I took that to be a mistranslation of belongings/kit...rather hopefully.
In reply to mountainbagger:
Genuinely sad to hear this. When I read it this morning I had to do a double take, check for any April Fools, then take a seat...
Maybe unusually for someone pushing the absolute limits, I really didn't expect to hear this. Perhaps because he'd mentioned stepping away from the limit, or just for being so phenomenal at what he did.
The film of him battering up the summit snowfields of the Eiger blew me away a few years ago. Absolutely shit news.
Genuinely sad to hear this. When I read it this morning I had to do a double take, check for any April Fools, then take a seat...
Maybe unusually for someone pushing the absolute limits, I really didn't expect to hear this. Perhaps because he'd mentioned stepping away from the limit, or just for being so phenomenal at what he did.
The film of him battering up the summit snowfields of the Eiger blew me away a few years ago. Absolutely shit news.
In reply to UKC News:
Very sad news, a true legend, his life touched so many. My condolences to his family
Very sad news, a true legend, his life touched so many. My condolences to his family
In reply to Timmd:
I hoped it would - but had difficulty believing it given the kind of thing he was doing. Sure, his skills were absolutely superb, but sometimes things happen that you can't do anything about.
OTOH, he died doing what he loved, and I doubt he was ever in any doubt as to the risks. And given that I am basically a big wuss, I really admire what he was doing.
> Yes. I somehow imagined he'd live to grow old like other very skilled climbers and mountaineers.
I hoped it would - but had difficulty believing it given the kind of thing he was doing. Sure, his skills were absolutely superb, but sometimes things happen that you can't do anything about.
OTOH, he died doing what he loved, and I doubt he was ever in any doubt as to the risks. And given that I am basically a big wuss, I really admire what he was doing.
Post edited at 21:13
In reply to Neil Williams:
Indeed. I guess he chose his own life path and lived it fully and with an awareness of what was involved.
> OTOH, he died doing what he loved, and I doubt he was ever in any doubt as to the risks. And given that I am basically a big wuss, I really admire what he was doing.
Indeed. I guess he chose his own life path and lived it fully and with an awareness of what was involved.
In reply to mountainbagger:
Almost certainly.
> I took that to be a mistranslation of belongings/kit...rather hopefully.
Almost certainly.
In reply to kwoods:
Same here, immediately checked the calendar then realised it was the end of April and my heart sank.
I've been a bit surprised at how much this has affected me today, feels like a monumental loss. I can't imagine how this is for his family and friends.
Same here, immediately checked the calendar then realised it was the end of April and my heart sank.
I've been a bit surprised at how much this has affected me today, feels like a monumental loss. I can't imagine how this is for his family and friends.
In reply to UKC News:
Kick in the balls. Like Dean Potter I thought he was invincible. Climb with the angels now Ueli.
Kick in the balls. Like Dean Potter I thought he was invincible. Climb with the angels now Ueli.
In reply to UKC News:
Shocked to hear this. I met him in London a few years ago. It was amazing to meet someone with the skills to push the limits so far. Sadly no matter how skilled, in a lifetime of climbing it only takes one mis-step, or one moment where you fall foul of nature. His feats will never fail to inspire me. RIP
Shocked to hear this. I met him in London a few years ago. It was amazing to meet someone with the skills to push the limits so far. Sadly no matter how skilled, in a lifetime of climbing it only takes one mis-step, or one moment where you fall foul of nature. His feats will never fail to inspire me. RIP
In reply to jonnie3430:
...when his left foot wobbles at 1 min 50 - gets my chest every single time I watch it. sad news..
...when his left foot wobbles at 1 min 50 - gets my chest every single time I watch it. sad news..
Obituary from Ed Douglas in The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/01/ueli-steck-obituary
(& so far no stupid comments)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/01/ueli-steck-obituary
(& so far no stupid comments)
Truly tragic. RIP Ueli. My thoughts are with his family who must now go on without him.
I just hope that he was knocked unconscious by a falling rock or ice fragment and didn't suffer.
I just hope that he was knocked unconscious by a falling rock or ice fragment and didn't suffer.
In reply to UKC News:
its one of those moments that you know you will remember the moment for the rest of your life where you were when you heard the news.. what a great talent lost and one of the biggest I can remember in 35 years in the mountains.
its one of those moments that you know you will remember the moment for the rest of your life where you were when you heard the news.. what a great talent lost and one of the biggest I can remember in 35 years in the mountains.
In reply to UKC News:
Quite simply a superhuman. So sad, so many of us thought him invincible, although I'm sure the man himself had no such illusions
Quite simply a superhuman. So sad, so many of us thought him invincible, although I'm sure the man himself had no such illusions
In reply to UKC News:
youtube.com/watch?v=Us4lW7ElEn8&
Short video on his plans for Everest -> Lhotse. Has a different tone now. :/
youtube.com/watch?v=Us4lW7ElEn8&
Short video on his plans for Everest -> Lhotse. Has a different tone now. :/
In reply to mountainbagger:
On the basis of some rather gruesome descriptions I've read of other similar situations, I wouldn't bank on that.
Which is all by-the-by and best not dwelt upon: the world has lost a great athlete and an unequalled mountaineer. RIP Euli, you were an inspiration to so many.
> I took that to be a mistranslation of belongings/kit...rather hopefully.
On the basis of some rather gruesome descriptions I've read of other similar situations, I wouldn't bank on that.
Which is all by-the-by and best not dwelt upon: the world has lost a great athlete and an unequalled mountaineer. RIP Euli, you were an inspiration to so many.
Post edited at 09:34
In reply to UKC News:
Damn! Went to a talk of his in London a few years ago, seemed like a thoroughly nice chap, was very shocked when I read this this morning.
Damn! Went to a talk of his in London a few years ago, seemed like a thoroughly nice chap, was very shocked when I read this this morning.
In reply to Bobling:
Alex H commented similarly : "Ueli was so solid. I’m starting to realize, though, that doesn’t matter. I though the same about Dean Potter. There’s always a degree of randomness involved."
http://www.outsideonline.com/2179186/world-reacts-ueli-stecks-death
> Like Dean Potter I thought he was invincible. Climb with the angels now Ueli.
Alex H commented similarly : "Ueli was so solid. I’m starting to realize, though, that doesn’t matter. I though the same about Dean Potter. There’s always a degree of randomness involved."
http://www.outsideonline.com/2179186/world-reacts-ueli-stecks-death
In reply to malk:
Cumulative risk. If there is a nonzero chance of slipping on a hidden layer of ice, getting knocked off balance by a random piece of ice or rock, whatever, say once every 10.000 hours, you or me will likely get a away with it, simply by lack of exposure (and especially as I would be too afraid to climb much of the stuff unroped that these pros simply run across). Spend enough time in dangerous territory, and statistics become stacked against you. I am totally sure that Ueli Steck was aware of this, and died doing what he loved best despite the risk.
Very sad news regardless,
CB
Cumulative risk. If there is a nonzero chance of slipping on a hidden layer of ice, getting knocked off balance by a random piece of ice or rock, whatever, say once every 10.000 hours, you or me will likely get a away with it, simply by lack of exposure (and especially as I would be too afraid to climb much of the stuff unroped that these pros simply run across). Spend enough time in dangerous territory, and statistics become stacked against you. I am totally sure that Ueli Steck was aware of this, and died doing what he loved best despite the risk.
Very sad news regardless,
CB
Post edited at 12:00
In reply to UKC News:
Seems that Ueli had mixed emotions about Himalayan climbing with several previous incidents logged.
It's hard not to see these previous experiences as portents to some degree.
So many distractions around Everest climbing but clearly he believed it was worth it.
A sad day .RIP Ueli
Seems that Ueli had mixed emotions about Himalayan climbing with several previous incidents logged.
It's hard not to see these previous experiences as portents to some degree.
So many distractions around Everest climbing but clearly he believed it was worth it.
A sad day .RIP Ueli
In reply to UKC News:
A very sad loss , my condolences to his family .
The world was a better place with
Ueli Steck
A very sad loss , my condolences to his family .
The world was a better place with
Ueli Steck
In reply to cb294:
Desperate news. Was driving with Brian Hall who knew him really well, when we heard the news on radio. Total silence/shock but not surprise
Totally agree with your analysis and points
Alex McIntyre; rock on head. I once said to him "you,ll end up famous or dead" It was both!
With reference to a previous comment, high end sloing is highly addictive. I once had that conversation with Al Rouse who was my climbing partner up to his death on K2. That cured me of dangerous projects and I'm now in middle age clipping bolts. We both agreed that on completion of one project, the inevitable tendency is to ratchet it up. In very dangerous situations with objective danger you also need a large dollop of luck!!!
Desperate news. Was driving with Brian Hall who knew him really well, when we heard the news on radio. Total silence/shock but not surprise
Totally agree with your analysis and points
Alex McIntyre; rock on head. I once said to him "you,ll end up famous or dead" It was both!
With reference to a previous comment, high end sloing is highly addictive. I once had that conversation with Al Rouse who was my climbing partner up to his death on K2. That cured me of dangerous projects and I'm now in middle age clipping bolts. We both agreed that on completion of one project, the inevitable tendency is to ratchet it up. In very dangerous situations with objective danger you also need a large dollop of luck!!!
In reply to malk:
I read that earlier and wondered whether Honnold might reconsider his free-solo antics.
It doesn't matter how good you are if a hold snaps off and you're already committed.
> Alex H commented similarly : "Ueli was so solid. I’m starting to realize, though, that doesn’t matter. I though the same about Dean Potter. There’s always a degree of randomness involved.
I read that earlier and wondered whether Honnold might reconsider his free-solo antics.
It doesn't matter how good you are if a hold snaps off and you're already committed.
In reply to UKC News:
Sorry to see you go, Ueli. You were the boldest and the best at what you did. I thought you were immortal; probably many did. You inspired many, those with years of climbing ahead of them, and those who'd hung up their boots, each in their own way. I'm sorry for the family mourning your loss. I hope you didn't suffer. RIP Ueli Steck.
Sorry to see you go, Ueli. You were the boldest and the best at what you did. I thought you were immortal; probably many did. You inspired many, those with years of climbing ahead of them, and those who'd hung up their boots, each in their own way. I'm sorry for the family mourning your loss. I hope you didn't suffer. RIP Ueli Steck.
In reply to AlXN:
I really want to like your post. As the buttons are off, here it is.
I really want to like your post. As the buttons are off, here it is.
Post edited at 17:58
In reply to UKC News:
There is a brief profile/obit of him on today's R4 programme "Brief Words". His is the first profile. Get it on iPlayer.
There is a brief profile/obit of him on today's R4 programme "Brief Words". His is the first profile. Get it on iPlayer.
In reply to mbh:
Last Word?
> There is a brief profile/obit of him on today's R4 programme "Brief Words". His is the first profile. Get it on iPlayer.
Last Word?
In reply to Tom Last:
Yep, this is the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08pgswm#play
Two weeks on and I still find the news incredibly sad. The clip is very moving.
Yep, this is the link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08pgswm#play
Two weeks on and I still find the news incredibly sad. The clip is very moving.
Has any more information emerged as to what actually happened to ueli? Was it rockfall?
In reply to Tom Last:
Thanks for correcting me on the title of the Last Word programme. I often listen to it and, almost as often, conflate its title with that of of Aubrey's Brief Lives, a collection of short biographies which I much like and wherein much 17th century ravishing occurs.
The programme features 4 or so obituaries of notable, but not necessarily well known people that have died in the last week. I listen with amazement at what these people have achieved, but have never before, I think, been emotionally moved, not having known these people myself. With the piece on Ueli, oddly, I was moved. When the programme started and I heard that he was to be one of the subjects, it was like another nail in the coffin. I realised that I still didn't want his death to be true. Sir Chris contributes to the clip and all in all it is very moving.
Thanks for correcting me on the title of the Last Word programme. I often listen to it and, almost as often, conflate its title with that of of Aubrey's Brief Lives, a collection of short biographies which I much like and wherein much 17th century ravishing occurs.
The programme features 4 or so obituaries of notable, but not necessarily well known people that have died in the last week. I listen with amazement at what these people have achieved, but have never before, I think, been emotionally moved, not having known these people myself. With the piece on Ueli, oddly, I was moved. When the programme started and I heard that he was to be one of the subjects, it was like another nail in the coffin. I realised that I still didn't want his death to be true. Sir Chris contributes to the clip and all in all it is very moving.
In reply to Patrick Roman:
Yes, a really well put together piece - I feared it might be a bit "tabloid", but it did real justice to Steck and to mountaineering.
> Yep, this is the link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08pgswm#play
> Two weeks on and I still find the news incredibly sad. The clip is very moving.
Yes, a really well put together piece - I feared it might be a bit "tabloid", but it did real justice to Steck and to mountaineering.
In reply to UKC News:
Another moving and thought-provoking tribute, this one by Steve House... http://mailchi.mp/uphillathlete/uelisteck
Another moving and thought-provoking tribute, this one by Steve House... http://mailchi.mp/uphillathlete/uelisteck
In reply to AlXN:
Adventure is inside us all. Embrace it. I remember hearing him say it in an interview when I was just starting out climbing and I loved it
Adventure is inside us all. Embrace it. I remember hearing him say it in an interview when I was just starting out climbing and I loved it
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