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American Alpine Club (AAC) president, Doug Walker, has died in an avalanche. The incident occurred yesterday on Granite Mountain, WA. Doug was snowshoeing with two friends at the time who turned around at tree line. Doug continued on the climb solo and was found dead today, buried in avalanche debris.

Search and rescue crews recovered Doug’s body today at 10:30am about two miles up Granite Mountain.

Doug is survived by his wife and grown daughter.

This was the 3rd Avalanche fatality in North America this season.

The American Alpine Club has posted the following comments. 

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of AAC President Doug Walker. Doug was killed in an avalanche on Granite Mountain yesterday.

Our CEO Phil Powers had this to say about Doug, “Doug Walker’s leadership at the AAC was the secret weapon that cemented the Club as one that welcomes and represents all climbers. He led the capital campaign that funded our growth and stepped from that directly into leading our board with strength and grace. He was not only a mentor and adviser for me; he was a climbing partner and friend.”
Doug had a serious commitment to conservation of mountain landscapes and promotion of the climbing way of life. He served on many environmental nonprofits including Wilderness Society, Sierra Club Foundation, Conservation Lands Foundation, and was also a former chairman of REI.” – American Alpine Club

Our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and friends.

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