American Alpinist Mike Gardner Dies in Jannu East Climbing Accident

American alpinist Mike Gardner has tragically died following an accident on Jannu East in the Himalaya. Gardner was climbing with partner Sam Hennessey when the accident occurred. According to a report from AlpineMag, Gardner suffered a fatal fall leading Hennessey to call for assistance.

Hennessey was found by a separate team consisting of prominent French climbers Benjamin Vedrines, Leo Billon, and Nicolas Jean. This team was descending after deciding to turn back during their attempt to summit Jannu East due to Billon feeling unwell. As they rappelled down the mountain, they saw Hennessey gesturing for help. “I couldn’t see his partner, Mike,” Vedrines told AlpineMag. “I took my hood off and paid attention to what Sam was trying to tell me.”

The French team assisted Hennessey in descending the last 700 meters. Upon reaching the base of the face, they searched for Gardner’s body but were only able to find some clothing, not his remains.

Hennessey and Gardner were on an ambitious expedition to climb the north face of Jannu East, a formidable alpine wall rising 2,400 meters, which has only been attempted twice and remains unclimbed by any route. Hennessey had been awarded a grant from the American Alpine Club for the project, highlighting the technical challenge and risk involved.

Gardner was a second-generation mountain guide from Idaho and was known for his numerous ascents, including at least a dozen of Denali and over 150 of Grand Teton. He was celebrated within the climbing community for his achievements and his passion for adventure.

The American alpine community, including Gardner’s friends and family, has expressed their condolences over the loss. Gardner once reflected on his passion for climbing by acknowledging the dangers alongside the immense joy it brought him.