In Memory Of Tomaž (Tomaz) Humar R.I.P

Tomaž Humar (February 18, 1969 c. November 10, 2009), nicknamed Gozdni Joža (akin to Hillbilly), was a Slovenian mountaineer. A father of two, Humar lived in Kamnik, Slovenia. He completed over 1500 ascents, and won a number of mountaineering and other awards, including the Piolet d'Or in 1996 for his Ama Dablam ascent.[1] He became widely recognized in 1999 after his famous solo ascent of the south wall of Dhaulagiri,[2] considered one of the deadliest routes in the Himalayas with a 40% fatality rate.[3] During a solo attempt to climb Nanga Parbat in 2005, Humar became trapped by avalanches and melting snow at an altitude of nearly 6000 meters.[4] After six days in a snow cave he was rescued by a Pakistani army helicopter crew on August 10, 2005.[5] On October 28, 2007, Humar reportedly summitted Annapurna I (8091 m) via the South Face. [6][7] On November 9, 2009, Humar, who was on a solo climb via the South Face of Langtang Lirung (last climbed in 1995[8]), had an accident during the descent.[9] His only contact with the base camp staff via a satellite phone was made on the day of the accident and he appeared to be in critical condition with leg, spine and rib injuries. He was stuck on the mountain at an elevation of approximately 6300 meters for several days before his body was found on November 14, 2009 at an elevation of 5600 meters.[10] [11]