Craig Luebben demonstrates Sidewinder, Video by Jilly Salva
Local Denver climbing and mountaineering icon, Craig Luebben, was accidentally killed yesterday after being hit by falling ice on Mount Torment in the Cascades.
Luebben’s partner, Willie Benegas was injured. Both men were flown off the mountain Sunday afternoon. (source: Mountain Project) Benegas and Luebben were training for an upcoming AMGA Alpine Guides exam at the time of the incident.
Popular and likeable within our cozy climbing and mountaineering community, Luebben
contributed much to climbers both locally and worldwide. He was an author, photographer, inventor, guide, world traveler, as well as being a husband and father.
In the past few years, Luebben was particularly well known for his self-rescue and advanced rock climbing technique clinics. His invention of the Big Bro opened many possibilities for climbers to pioneer new offwidth routes.
Spending time with Craig during guide training in Vedauwoo, WY learning offwidth techniques is something I will never forget. His unassuming and approachable style, instantly made me feel at ease. He made even the most challenging chicken wing and leg bar moves looked easy.
Luebben leaves behind his wife Silvia and young daughter Giulia (aka Jumar).
Comments
Very sad to hear this news, but thanks for sharing it with us.
Heard about this in the news. Never met him, but wish I had.
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