The 34-year-old, who had already climbed peaks in the Alps, the Himalayas and the Pamir Mountains, fell into a crevasse on the 7,234-meter-high Langtang Lirung, the Slovak Mountaineering Association said on Sunday.
After the association initially called for a rescue operation for Huserka on the online network Facebook, it reported on Sunday that a helicopter could not fly to the scene of the accident due to bad weather. Huserka’s family and friends now have to “come to terms with the fact that Ondrej is no longer with us.”
Climbed Langtang Lirung via the eastern flank
Immediately before Thursday’s accident, Huserka and his Czech companion Marek Holecek had managed the first complete ascent of Langtang Lirung over the eastern flank. Holecek confirmed Huserka’s death in a touching Facebook post. The Slovakian fell about eight meters onto an angular surface while descending and from there slid “in a labyrinth further into the depths of the glacier”.
Holecek said he tried for hours to save Huserka. Since he was stuck with his head down and was apparently unable to move, this was not successful. “I rappelled down to him and stayed with him for four hours until his light went out. There is nothing to add,” Holecek concluded his report.
- Holeceks Facebook-Posting (English version further down in the posting):
ePaper
**Interview with Marek Holecek on the Tragic Ascent of Langtang Lirung**
**Interviewer**: Marek, thank you for joining us today. It’s with a heavy heart that we discuss your recent expedition. Can you share with us what led to the tragic accident involving Ondrej Huserka?
**Marek Holecek**: Thank you for having me. The ascent of Langtang Lirung was one of immense challenge but also great promise. Ondrej and I had just achieved a remarkable feat—the first complete ascent of the mountain via the eastern flank. It was a moment of triumph that quickly turned tragic.
**Interviewer**: It’s devastating to hear that Ondrej fell into a crevasse. What happened in those critical moments right before the accident?
**Marek Holecek**: We were descending after our summit push when the accident occurred. Ondrej lost his footing and fell approximately eight meters onto an angular surface. He then slid further into the glacier’s depths. I rushed to him, but it became clear that he was stuck and unable to move.
**Interviewer**: It sounds incredibly intense and distressing for you. Can you describe your efforts to assist him during that time?
**Marek Holecek**: I cannot express how helpless I felt. I rappelled down to where he was and stayed by his side for four hours. I tried everything I could, but he was in a position where I couldn’t help him. I watched as his light slowly faded. It’s a moment I will never forget—there are no words that can truly capture that kind of loss.
**Interviewer**: Your determination to stay with Ondrej is commendable. How did you cope with the situation after realizing that rescue would not be possible due to the weather?
**Marek Holecek**: Initially, there was a hope that rescue would arrive, but as the weather worsened, it became painfully clear that nothing could be done. After accepting that, all I could do was pay my final respects to Ondrej in my heart. His family and friends are now left with the pain of this loss, and my thoughts are with them.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your experience, Marek. It’s important to remember that climbing, while filled with adventure, can be perilous. What do you wish people would take away from this tragedy?
**Marek Holecek**: I want to remind everyone that climbing is not just about reaching the top; it’s about the journey and the bonds we forge along the way. We face nature’s power, and sometimes, it reminds us how fragile life is. Please cherish your loved ones and appreciate every moment you have with them.
**Interviewer**: Wise words, Marek. Thank you for being so open with us today, and our condolences go out to you and all of Ondrej’s loved ones during this difficult time.
**Marek Holecek**: Thank you. It means a lot.