Wyoming guide Michael Gardner, a highly skilled climber with deep ties to the Teton Range, is presumed dead after a fall on Jannu East, a 24,501-foot peak in Nepal, WyoFile reports.
Gardner, 32, was attempting a first ascent of the mountain earlier this week when he fell, according to reports from alpine news outlets and his colleagues.
Gardner was climbing with partner Sam Hennessey, who signaled for help after the fall. A French team retreating from the same peak saw Hennessey waving for assistance. Together, the French climbers and Hennessey descended the mountain but found no sign of Gardner, apart from some pieces of clothing.
Gardner’s death echoes the loss of his father, George Gardner, also a celebrated climber, who died in a fall from the Grand Teton in 2008. Despite the tragedy, Gardner continued his passion for mountaineering, becoming one of the youngest guides with Exum Mountain Guides.
Gardner’s climbing achievements spanned North America, Antarctica, and the Himalayas, with notable ascents, including Alaska’s Mount Foraker and Denali. Friends and colleagues remembered him for his climbing expertise and his remarkable ability to connect with people, whether guiding in the mountains or skating at a local park.
News of his fall has deeply affected the Teton climbing community. Fellow guide Dan Corn, who shared a close bond with Gardner after his father’s death, expressed the sorrow felt by friends and colleagues.
“This is tough for us at Exum… I just can’t fathom what his family’s going through,” Corn said.
Gardner’s partner, Olympic snowboarder Elena Hight, reflected on their relationship in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“All the joyful memories we made will keep me going for now,” she wrote.
Plans for a search or recovery effort in the remote Kanchenjunga region of Nepal are still being developed.
Michael Gardner is survived by his mother, Colleen, and sister, Megan.
