Craig Luebben, 49, an experienced climber, climbing author, and climbing guide from Fort Collins, Colorado was killed yesterday, August 9, after been hit by falling ice on 8,120-foot Mount Torment in Washington’s Cascade Range.
Craig, a friend and fellow author for FalconGuides, was climbing with Willie Benagas in preparation for an American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) test for their coveted Alpine Guide certification. After the accident, Benagas was able to call rescuers who picked the pair up by helicopter yesterday afternoon.
Details coming from Washington are still sketchy since the accident happened less than 24 hours ago. When I find out more, I will post the latest news. Craig was well liked and respected as a climber, guide, author, friend, and family man. He will be missed by his wife Silvia and daughter Giulia Maria. My heartfelt condolences go out to them. Craig, rest in peace.
Photograph above: Craig with his daughter Giula Maria. Photograph courtesy Craig Luebben/Facebook
Comments
I have known Craig since he was a student at CSU. He had the kindest heart. My last trip to Alaska was with Craig. We sat in a tent for 4 days in Little Switzerland in bad weather. Never got to climb but enjoyed it anyway. It was still an adventure. He will be missed by so many.
Rest in peace Craig. You were my Mom’s cousin. My condolences and prayers are with you, your family, and mine.
I am so sad about this. I didn’t spend much time with Craig recently, but worked with him when I was editing for Climbing Magazine in the late 1990s and always found him to be a really nice, kind man; always encouraging, friendly, considerate. Just contacted him via facebook and found myself smiling at that wonderful pic of him with his daughter. Must have been a great dad. So sad ….
I used to run into Craig at the GCB, shared a lot of good conversation and laughter, he will be missed, I am saddened by this loss – RIP, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Craig and I have been very good friends for many years. We had recently worked on a climbing video together and rejuvenated our friendship and appreciation for each others company. In all my time spent with Craig, one of the things I found fascinating about our relationship was that we understood each other….which is rare. A smart and ambitious guy, Craig was the most hard working climber I have ever been around. I always admired his work ethic and respected his ability to be real and honest!!! We will all miss you Craig!!! RIP, brother!
Craig and i were best friends in High school and Jr. High. we got into a lot of fun and adventures and I will truly miss him as he was a kind good hearted person. Also, the sport of climbing will miss this truly special person. myself and others will always remember him as a wonderful smart, loveable, caring professional climber. We always cry for the ones that are left….I am crying … blessings upon you Craig and blessing upon his family.
I never knew Craig, but he did teach me how to climb, all of his published books were well written and always will be used. His sport route’s in Northern Colorado are always well constructed and safe. We’ll miss ya, R.I.P.
Mt. Torment was the only Cascade peak where I came close to death. I led a party of two climbers on Torment in 1962. Descending the El Dorado side, by rapel, the entire truck-sized boulder I had used as a piton jamb came loose and sailed over my head onto the hanging glacier 800′ below. By sheer good luck, or instinct, I had placed the protection deep into a notch.
Moral: Double check all of your protection. Life is precious.