Tragic Fall of Slovak Climber After Historic Ascent in the Himalayas

Fri Mar 14 2025 15:07:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Tragic Fall of Slovak Climber After Historic Ascent in the Himalayas

Slovak mountaineer Ondrej Huserka perishes while descending Lantang Lirung, making headlines with his remarkable ascent.


Ondrej Huserka, a celebrated Slovak climber, tragically died after completing a historic ascent of Lantang Lirung in Nepal, only to fall into a crevasse during his descent. The 34-year-old adventurer was part of a groundbreaking team that first tackled the mountain's perilous eastern face, showcasing exceptional skill and courage.

A leading figure in the climbing community, Ondrej Huserka died on Thursday while descending Lantang Lirung, a 7,234m (23,730ft) peak in Nepal, known as the 99th-highest mountain in the world. Huserka had partnered with fellow climber Marek Holecek, and together, they achieved the remarkable feat of ascending the mountain’s notoriously difficult eastern face.

Tragedy struck during their descent when a thread broke while they were rappelling down a steep section. Huserka fell into a deep crevasse, plummeting eight meters before hitting an angled surface and continuing further into the glacier’s depths. Holecek, overwhelmed with concern, rushed to his partner’s aid, recalling the chilling moments that followed, including Huserka's desperate cries for help.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Holecek shared the harrowing experience of holding Huserka for four hours as his condition worsened. Despite Holecek’s efforts to rescue him from the ice, he realized that Huserka had been paralyzed by the fall. The Slovak climbers' association, SHS James, expressed their sorrow, citing inclement weather as a factor preventing any potential rescue operation.

Huserka’s accomplishments in mountaineering are noteworthy, spanning various iconic ranges from the Alps to Patagonia. He was recognized multiple times by the SHS James association for his outstanding contributions to the sport. His legacy includes first ascents and remarkable climbs on formidable routes, underscoring his reputation as a world-class alpinist.

Tributes flowed in for Huserka, with many in the climbing community remembering him as one of the best mountaineers Slovakia has ever produced. His tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that climbers face in their pursuit of adventure and exploration in the world's highest peaks.

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