Will Stanhope, a Canadian rock climber, has died in a climbing accident in British Columbia, and tributes are pouring in from the climbing community. Alex Honnold posted a tribute to Stanhope earlier today, sharing memories and reflections on the life lost.
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“It is with shattered hearts that we share the news that our beloved Will passed away yesterday,” wrote the Stanhope family in a post shared to his personal Instagram page. “A severe head injury sustained after a fall on a route called Rutabaga, on the Squamish Chief was the cause.”
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The tribute goes on, saying: “Will lived with a passion and courage that most of us only dream of. He had a prodigious memory and great stories. He was a kind and gentle man with a fantastic sense of humour. The rock was his home, and the climbing community was his family. He faced every ascent with an inspiring spirit.”
See the family’s full tribute to Will Stanhope below:
And here is Alex Honnold’s tribute:
Alongside the touching tributes from Stanhope’s friends and family is some controversy regarding his personal life. In his post, Honnold mentions Stanhope’s alcohol use toward the end of his life, calling it one of “his demons.” (Stanhope’s sister chimed in to be clear that alcohol was not a factor in the climber’s accident.) Others are taking the opportunity to remind the climbing community that Stanhope faced sexual assault allegations.
Header stock image of “The Chief” by Cavan Images/Getty Images
