Austin Howell, Free Soloist, has died.
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The famous 31-year-old fell to his death on June 30th when a hold broke. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones, family and friends.
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Blessings of condolence to all his family ~ light & love sent ~
A true member of the modern-day tribe.
Many were touched in some way by Austin's drive.
An ephemeral thing in some ~
A tangible thing we call "Stoke" always evident
in the way Austin went about his life.
Peace to all who grieve and wonder what if ?
'of the many jaw-dropping videos, I chose those that showcase
The good, the Bad & the o.m.g.-ly
I hope that they remain 'active' as a testament to his bold existence
``I had a candle lit all day yesterday
And left heartfelt words on the appropriate thread.
"Over 2 years ago I had a few back & forths with Austin.
It always seems like it was more substantive than it was when things turn tragic.
From our brief interaction, I am sure that Austin was fully aware of the risks & eventuality of his fulfilling his need to climb.
He was passionate about the cordless climbing, felt strongly about the benefits it brought to him & was accountable for his actions.
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I have been trying to put it better . . .
Though the 1st try is often the most honest
so I will re-post this here:Awe Man !Austin ! m`mahn
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That sux,
blessings of light & love.
Candle lit, head held highTo honor and remember
a climber who climbed
For the Love of Climbing
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A life lived at the edge where the real is
a send ascend attain ascent (s){=L.
It will be a high gravity day for me.
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I'm sad to hear it`
a regular stop on my video surf,
I always watched his videos with an open-mouth: in awe of the climbs that he sent
Many on sight .Peace Out Brother
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This next, & the Reddit debate all led to our contact:
Austin's comment's:
Absolute proof that I'm too weak to sport-climb,
because I don't have the strength to clip bolts, and I can only send on jugs!
This is a bouldering ascent of "The Lion" 5.12b at Little River Canyon,and I included the wandering 5.10 down-climb for folks who wonder "how do you get down????"
Note: at one point I mutter
"That was dirty" as I'm nearing the top.
The holds were clean and dirt free,
I was just giving myself shit for the fact that I climbed a move poorly.
Luckily
I make a deliberate choice to only solo routes which are easy enough that I can screw up and still not get into trouble with old man gravity.The Lion (12b) after 2 previous roped ascents
OOf, the last bit of that comment . . . Auw`Phuglit
His was that very rare mix
380 ft, Naked, Barefoot, Cordless, "Dopey Duck" 5.9
- ~Nuf-said !
He'd seen my video ~ I'm taking the Honor To re-Name this next one,
K.I.S.O.P(!) KLIMBING IN SEARCH OF PURITY!
a post from Austins mom
- As I often do, I singed-off to Austin
"Wishing you safe sends & safer descents"
"More Power To you, Especially When You Need It".Gnome Ofthe Diabase
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What a bummer.
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Life, more tenuous than a yellow line on the Captain, a gift to each one of us to cherish and use in the best way we see fit.