On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, Austin, the love of my life, was caught in an avalanche.

There are no words to describe the hole in my heart, the emptiness inside of me, and the deep, deep ache in my chest. There are no words to accurately describe how terrified I am of living with that hole in my heart.

Austin is the most remarkable man I have ever met. I will always admire his commitment to his values, unwavering integrity, resilience, and sheer will-power to make his goals into his reality. Austin was the kind of person who could really see you, and could help you see yourself too. He pushed you to be the best version of yourself. He was patient, and he was always kind. As a partner, he made sure to show me how much he loved me every single day, regardless of whether we were curled up on the couch or he was on a far away stormy mountain. I did not know I could ever be so loved.

I will live for you, Austin. I will carry you with me every day for the rest of my life. Thank you for the most magical moments of my life. I will find you in every lifetime.

I am grateful for the time we did have, and to be part of the community you have built around you. You kept the stoke high, every detail accounted for, your home open, the dinners large, the conversations honest, and the munter rate within reason when I third-wheeled with you and Chris. We will keep you, Austin, in so many different ways.

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

Austin, you were pure gold. I love you. I will miss you.

He was my brother and I can promise he had no friend that loved him and looked up to him the way I did. Most people never get the pleasure of having such a perfect friend and I’m so blessed I did.

Lexi and I are naming our little boy Paul Matthew Clos after his uncle… He will have quite the shoes to fill.

“We were able to ski all the way to downtown Cooke City. It’s hard to describe, but it was such an amazing feeling walking down Main Street in Cooke City in ski boots, with skis on our backs, after having skied three of Montana’s most coveted lines. We made it back to the truck with plenty of daylight left to spare. Getting out of ski boots was almost as good as the cold-ish Coors Banquets waiting for us.” ❤️

My thoughts are with Austin’s and Andrew’s loved ones.

What is there to say about our friend Austin? Where does one begin. I’ll miss his endless psych that could get people out to hyalite in any condition, including to drytool in June in the rain (“bring all your rain gear!”). After getting back from a particularly challenging trip to Alaska, he listened intently as we drove into hyalite and I shared my struggles — he made me feel seen and not alone in that feeling, even though he thrived in Alaska. Years ago we joked that we could quit everything and become monks, with him adding that the monastery we build in bozeman should be at Mountain Project. When I was in a tough place and struggling with housing, he offered to let me stay at his place — he was always so generous like that. Austin got after it, but he was a safe and smart climber. Any time I’d ask him for beta, he was always adding details of things to consider and look out for to help me stay safe. I’ll miss him making fun of my dull front points, his self-deprecating humor, always seeing him around Roman candle (I’d come to refer to it as “Austin’s route”), and the lightness he brought to any situation. He was psyched that I’d started including a screenshot of his website in my keynote talks, an example of how members in our community help each other, and he told me to add one of his favorite photos of the Moose’s Tooth in AK. Of a route he gave me a ton of beta on before I went last year. Over the years Austin inspired and helped me so much in ways he was and wasn’t aware of.

A few weeks ago he checked in about Alaska, and I told him I was gonna re-attempt a route we’d discussed that I’ve been on many times. He responded “It’ll just make it even sweeter when you get it done!” Austin, I wish so badly I could tell you that last week we finally got it done.

He left an indelible mark on everyone around him. We will miss you, friend.

My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Austin was one of the finest and closest friends I’ve ever had. He took me in more times than I can count, always with a smile, a hug, and a come back anytime. I can confidently say that he impacted my life more than he ever knew. His character, integrity, generosity, and kindness was unparalleled. When I say to call if you need anything, that is a trait that he taught me over the years. 

Austin was more than just a friend to me, he was a brother, a confidant, and a kindred spirit. I loved him like family, and his passing has left a gaping hole in my life.

Austin was an extraordinary person who had a profound impact on my life. His kindness, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm inspired me to be a better person. He had a gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued, and his presence in my life was a precious gift. I'll always cherish the memories we made together, from our adventures in the mountains to our quiet moments of reflection.

I hope you find comfort in the memories and stories of Austin's life, and in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.