Michael Radner, a professional alpine climber renowned for his impressive ascents of Denali’s Isis Face and Alaska’s Cassin Ridge, tragically lost his life on October 7 while attempting to descend the North Face of Jannu East in Nepal.
He was climbing with his longtime partner, Sam Hennessey, who was reported safe following the incident.
Details surrounding Radner’s fall, which occurred during his third attempt on the mountain standing over 24,500 feet, have not yet been disclosed.
Arc’teryx, the climbing gear brand that sponsored him, paid tribute to Radner in an emotional Instagram post on October 8.
They described him as “everyone’s favourite person,” highlighting his curiosity, warmth, and passion for sharing knowledge with others.
At 32 years old, Radner was not only a climber but also a skateboarder, skier, skijorer, writer, and mountain guide.
He embodied a spirit of exploration and adventure, refusing to be confined to any single identity.
Tragically, he was not the first in his family to face the dangers of climbing; his father, George Gardner, died in a fall while soloing the Grand Teton in 2008.
This loss profoundly impacted Radner, reshaping his perspective on climbing and the mountains.
Arc’teryx’s tribute emphasized Radner’s motivations, stating that his pursuits were never solely about personal achievement but about inviting others into the joy of adventure.
They noted that his dedication to pushing the boundaries of the sport was marked by ethics, style, and respect for those who paved the way before him.
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