Climbing Community - Brian Postlethwait

Sometimes planning and caution can still be fouled by Mother Nature. It is a powerful and tragic note that all of us as climbers and avid outdoor types can appreciate, shown by the loss of one of our own. Mountaineer Brian Postlethwait was a meticulous planner, particularly for his trip to Alaska's Denali National Park. A former ski patrolman and not at all unknowing in the ways of climbing nor the dangers of snow and ice, succumbed to an avalanche while out on a climb with his partner.

Postlethwait, 32, of Park City, and his climbing partner, Andre Callari, 33, of Salt Lake City, were found dead Friday after the slide swept them to the base of Mount Barrille on either May 15th or 16th, the National Park Service reported. They were attempting to climb the Japanese Couloir route, which is classified as a moderate, Alaska grade III route because of its ice and steep snow. Reported overdue from the climb on last Thursday, weather conditions and lack of visibility delayed the recovery of the bodies until last weekend, the NPS reported.

Brian Postlethwait had 20 years of climbing experience and knew the signs of danger very well; he had even steered his partner away from a dangerous area earlier in the climb. The accident occurred later as a second avalanche started on the opposite side of the ridge they were on, and it took them. Nothing was done incorrectly, and no mistakes were made. It is a tragic loss for his family and friends, and the community of climbers that learned and climbed with him during his time on Earth.