This morning, at around 04.30 I received a phone call from Alaska bearing horrible news. After a fall in the Japanese Couloir on the Cassin Ridge on Denali, Joris Van Reeth suffered a severe head injury and died.

With the help of two Japanese climbers, his partner Sam was brought down safely to the base of the mountain. They also managed to retrieve Joris’ body. At the moment, they are waiting for a clear weather window so the chopper can come and pick them up. Hopefully this won’t take long anymore.

More details on the cause of the accident are rare and unnecessary at the moment. Our thoughts are with his girlfriend, parents, family and friends. For Sam this will be one of the longest and loneliest nights of his life.

There is a line of contact with Sam, the local rangers and the consulate.”