Zach Milligan, author of the first ski descent of Half Dome, died in the Rocky Mountains

Zach MilliganExactly two years ago, the American climber who made the first ski descent from Half Dome in Yosemite was found dead in the Canadian Rockies on 21 February 2021 (along with Jason Torlano). At the base of a glacier.

Growing up in Georgia, Milliken had options Yosemite It was his home for about 20 years, more than a dozen of which were spent in a cave and others at a friend’s house, a tool shed or resting in his van until a few years ago, when he decided to call for a janitorial service. Continue his own flooring, cleaning and restoration company, Zach Milligan Flooring, founded in Montana. In Yosemite he has chained climbs, including the most suitable ones Separated in 2 hours and 37 minutes from Typical northwest face At Half Dome (climbed at least 20 times) and beyond 250 free solo climbs from Steak-salad On Sentinel Rock.

Free solo as his friend said Chris Van Leeuwen In an essay dedicated to his friend about Gwas torn By title “Thirteen Years in a Cave in Yosemite: Half Dome Skier Zach Milligan.” (which, as Van Leeuwen points out, must be considered a rare treat given Jack’s hostility and infamy to the media-shy), it made him feel “Like you’re in touch with God. It makes me feel like I’m in a magical place.”

Born at 19 when he saw a photo of Half Dome in a barber shop. He also met his climbing and life partner at Yosemite Christine Anderson. “My favorite days with him were waking up at 3 a.m., running the high ridges of the Sierras, basking in the sun and wind.”Andersen told van Leeuwen. “Outside of climbing, he offered unique perspectives on the world, and I was always someone I could talk to for hours, even when I called him without saying anything.”

This terrible accident happened 10 days ago Polar Circus, on Mount Cirrus in Jasper National Park, a nearly 700 meter (500 of which is a waterfall) ice pass, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, if not the world. The first climb was started in 1975 by the Burgess Twins, Bucks McKeith and Charlie Porter. A path subject to avalanchesTragedies such as the death of John Lachlan in 1982 have not diminished in recent decades, attempting to make the first solo ascent, successfully completed by Barry Blanchard in 1988. As the site reports Avalanche CanadaIn March 2022 two climbers were fortunately rescued alive after being swept away by an avalanche on the trail.

Zack’s body is said to have been seen through it drone Rangers found his parked car one day during an overflight initiated by Parks Canada Visitor Safety on Saturday, February 11. A dead person at the bottom of the waterfall was spotted by a drone. Relatives confirmed the news on social media. “He’s a world-class climber, an incredible alpine skier, a talented musician, wickedly intelligent; he can tell an incredibly funny story and make almost anything funny.”Sister Martha’s words. “He’s not just my brother. Brother Austin’s sentimental comment – He’s my best friend.”