Tragic news out of Canada where professional rock climber Will Stanhope died after after a fall on the Stawamus Chief near Squamish, B.C. CBC reports Stanhope’s family confirmed he died on April 23, days after suffering critical injuries while climbing a route on the Grand Wall.
Squamish Search and Rescue responded to the incident on April 13th after receiving reports that a climber had fallen approximately 65-feet on a route called Rutabaga. Rutabaga is located on the Grand Wall on the Stawamus Chief and is considered an intermediate route at 5.11a on the Yosemite Decimal System.
Rescue crews reached the scene and stabilized Stanhope before coordinating a long-line helicopter evacuation due to the steep terrain and seriousness of his injuries. He was transported to a forward operating base and then taken to hospital in serious but stable condition.
Stanhope was a prominent figure in the climbing community, known for his free solo ascents and his affiliation with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Stanhope shared his passion for climbing through public talks and film appearances, describing the sport as both a physical and deeply personal pursuit rooted in movement, nature and adventure.
Family members described him as a passionate and courageous climber with a sharp memory and a gift for storytelling, adding that the mountains were his home and the climbing community his extended family. A celebration of life is being planned in Squamish later this spring.
