Italian Walter Nones died October 3 while attempting a new route on Cho Oyu’s southwest face. News from Nones’ website states that he was feeling strong and decided to camp at 7000m, 700 meters above his teammates, with the intention of photographing the next section of their route. It is believed he was blown off the mountain by strong winds.
No stranger to high-altitude mountaineering, Nones has previously made an oxygen-free ascent of K2, aiding struggling climbers on the descent. He also pioneered new routes in Nepal, Pakistan, China and his native Italy. Alpinist.com readers will remember his well-publicized rescue off of Nanga Parbat in 2008 following the death of his partner Karl Unterkircher while attempting a new route on the Rakhiot Face.
Nones leaves behind a wife and two sons.