Craig Luebben died early Sunday morning, August 9th, while climbing on Mount Torment in the North Cascade Range of Washington. He was hit by a naturally released chunk of ice/snow while on the Taboo Glacier approach to the Southeast Face route.

His partner, Himalayan alpinist Willie Benegas was injured in the ice fall, but was able to contact authorities who flew the pair off the mountain nearby Cascade Pass on Sunday afternoon. Willie and Craig were training for an upcoming AMGA exam that they were both taking to achieve Alpine Guide certification.

Craig was a prolific climber, author, photographer, inventor, guide, adventurer, and a true climbing ambassador who made friends around the world with his open hearted and unassuming presence.

He will be sorely missed, especially by his young daughter Giulia Maria and wife Silvia.

Details will no doubt be forthcoming in regard to the accident and how support can be extended to Craig's young family.

Rest in peace Craig, and thanks for all of your gifts to our community and for those of us whose lives you deeply touched.

How horribly depressing. I got to work with Craig on various projects (as many people can say as well), and the best part about it was he showed me to cut the no-nonsense bullshit out of my attitude. Thanks Craig, may you rest in peace.

Wow...this really seems to be a tragic year. Very sorry to hear this happened. Thanks to Craig for all he's done...

Yes, this is shaping up to be a horribly tragic year.

I'm truly heartsick about this. He is a remarkable person. What stands out above Craig's climbing exploits is his teaching ability. I continually refer to his books and writings.

My condolences to family and friends.

This is very sad news. My sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him.

This year has been a terrible year. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

I don't know what to say. This is such terrible news. My condolences to his family.

This is awful. Reading about him or his articles was always an inspiration to me. This is a sad year.

Very sad. Craig was a great guy and taught me a lot though his books, other writings, and a self-rescue class that he taught a while back.

My condolences to his family and friends.

I had the pleasure of taking his class; Basic Self Rescue. Excellent teacher and a down to earth nice guy. My heart goes out to his wife and daughter. :(

WOW :( Horrible news.
Condolences to friends and family. . .

I keep refreshing this page, hoping someone will say "ah - all a misunderstanding. Craig's fine."... but I don't think that's going to happen. I never met him but learned to climb reading his books. Another american climbing icon passes away too early. Terribly sad.

What a special soul. He will be missed. We shared a few floor spaces and bivies over the years, and I always enjoyed his company, his humor, and his smile.

Condolences from my family to Craig's, and to all of his friends as well.

Wow - very sad - I am still in shock.

Craig was a great guy. Always fun and entertaining. We will certainly miss him and treasure the memories we had with him.

Lisa and I send our condolences to his family and friends.

Cheers Craig .

This is awful.
My heart goes out to you, Silvia.
Craig will be dearly missed.

man, I guess just keep updating
I don't know what else to say, here.


We'll have to do something at Golden City

i dont know how to put into words right now. Silvia, my heart breaks for you and Giulia, and your unbearable loss of husband/partner and her daddy..

i am one of many to have considered Craig a local hero and friend. This tragic news cuts deep with me and is sobering reality.

Darren Mabe

What a horrible, terrible loss. I am saddened and truly sorry by his death. I will raise a glass of Golden City Brewery beer to him.

My heart sunk when I saw the headline. What more can I say? It is the most 'real' when it happens to a friend and it really makes you question your own participation in this crazy sport.
I guess this is the best time to consider what we each can do to help make this easier on the ones left behind. Joseffa is closer friends with Sylvia than I am and is going to check in with her to see if there is anything that is needed. One of us will post if there is a pressing and public need for help that is going unmet.
If you know the family, this is probably the time to consider what you can do to help.

I heard this late last night and spent the whole night trying to will it to be not so. RIP, proudly my friend. You've raised the bar in the climbing world, in the community and in our hearts. I miss you so much.
Mal

More heart rending tragic news. Deepest condolences. And hopes for a quick recovery for Willie.

you will be missed dearly and golden will not be the same without seeing you around town, sharing climbing stories and most of all your friendship and encouragement. my heart goes out to Giulia and Silvia.

Absolutely gut wrenching! My condolences Silvia and Giulia!

RIP Craig

Just awful news... the year continues to worsen when you think it can't get any worse.

Deepest condolences and sympathy to family and friends.

The world just lost a great human being! So sad.

Unbelievable....this is horrible. Craig was a sincerely good person and his presence will be greatly missed. We always thought of him as a hard-core climber, but over the years we came to think of him as a friend first.

Tina and I send our deepest sympathies to Craig's family and friends…especially Silvia and Giulia.