Austrian alpinists David Lama (28) and Hansjörg Auer (35) with American alpinist Jess Roskelley (36) reportedly went missing & feared to be dead by an avalanche in the Canadian Rockies. As per the recent reports, they were on their way to climb M16, first established by Steve House, Barry Blanchard, and Scott Backes in 1999 on Howse Peak (3295m) on the Icefields Parkway. This sudden avalanche made the climbers go disappear on 17th April, 2019.
From L to R: David Lama, Jess Roskelley and Hansjörg Auer
On 18th April, the Canadian authorities conducted a search operation around the area by helicopter and spotted avalanche debris along with the climbing gears of the climbers. The rescuers were already alerted by legendary climber John Roskelley, father of Jess. Though Parks Canada, the national park authority of the Canadian Government, is yet to announce the name of the climbers but stated that, "Based on the assessment of the scene, all three members of the party are presumed to be deceased..."
The trio came to the Canadian Rockies in early April. In last few days, they were climbed Andromeda Strain, a difficult route on the NE Face of the Mount Andromeda (3450m).
Jess Roskelley, became the youngest American to reach the summit of Everest in 2003 with his father John at the age of 20. Among many achievements David Lama and Hansjörg Auer is known for the first solo ascent of Lunag Ri and the first solo ascent of Lupghar Sar West respectively, both in 2018.
Photo Courtesy: David Lama, Jess Roskelley and Hansjörg Auer
