Lama, Roskelley and Auer Likely Reached Summit of Howse Peak Before Deaths
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In a photo on Jess Roskelley’s smartphone—recovered along with his, Hansjörg Auer and David Lama’s bodies from the aftermath of the avalanche that killed them on Howse Peak on April 16—the three climbers beam through the frame. The smiles, the 12:43 p.m. timestamp signifying when the photo was taken, the composition of the three climbers huddled together with nothing but blue sky behind them—it all points to the shot being a summit selfie from earlier in the day.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwi0thBDEKu/
These details come via a statement released by the Roskelley family. The family confirms that the bodies were recovered yesterday, Sunday, April 21. “The avalanche conditions were hazardous to the rescue team, so a specially trained avalanche dog was used to locate the climbers,” it reads. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our loved one and his teammates, but we are very grateful to have received closure.”
More Background on the Accident and the Climbers
Jess Roskelley, David Lama and Hansjörg Auer Reported Missing in Canada
The Fine Line – by Jess Roskelley, published in August 2017
VIDEO: Hansjörg Auer – No Turning Back
Interview: David Lama on His Lunag Ri Solo
VIDEO: Annapurna III – Unclimbed
Interview: Hansjörg Auer on His Solo First Ascent on Lupghar Sar West (7,157 Meters)
The statement continues further down, “We would like to send our utmost gratitude to the first responders and assisting agencies of Parks Canada including their Visitor Safety Specialist and the entire Incident Command Team, Lake Louise RCMP, Lake Louise Fire Department, Bow Valley Victim Services, the skilled pilots of Alpine Helicopters, and Brooke, the avalanche dog who located the climbers, and her handler. Additionally, we would like share our appreciation for the climbing community and the myriad of friends, family and acquaintances who have offered their sincere love and assistance to our family during this time. We would also like to send our deepest condolences to the families of David Lama and Hansjörg Auer of Austria. Jess was ecstatic to climb with these two men, who he looked up to and highly respected.”
Lama and Auer’s families each released statements on the late climbers’ instagram pages. See below for those.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwcI__CgjXF/
