Avalanche
American Alpine Club (AAC) president, Doug Walker, died in an avalanche on Granite Mountain, WA yesterday. Doug was snowshoeing with 2 friends yesterday who turned around at tree line. Doug continued on the climb solo and was found dead today in a pile of avalanche debris.
Doug was reported missing yesterday. Search and rescue crews searched for Doug through the night.
Doug’s body was found by search and rescue crews today at 10:30am about two miles up Granite Mountain.
Doug was a software entreprenuer who, in addition to being the AAC president, held board positions with REI, the Wilderness Society, the Sierra Clubs, and the Conservation Lands Foundation.
Doug is survived by his wife and grown daughter.
This was the 3rd Avalanche fatality in North America for 2015/16.
Our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and friends.
“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
