NOLS Rocky Mountain Director Dies in Climbing Accident

February 21, 2020

Peter Absolon

Lander, Wyoming-Peter Absolon, NOLS Rocky Mountain director, died yesterday in a climbing accident at the Leg Lake Cirque of the Wind River Range. Absolon, 47, was climbing with a friend for the weekend when he was struck by a rock that fell from above.

Local authorities conducted emergency response.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” said Bruce Palmer, Acting Executive Director for NOLS. “Pete was a good friend and a key member of the NOLS community. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife, Molly and their daughter, Avery. The NOLS community will do all we can to support them in this difficult time.”

Pete started instructing for NOLS in 1990. He has taught mountaineering, climbing, backpacking, caving, and winter camping courses in the Rockies and in Alaska. Pete was a dedicated teacher who thrilled in the achievements of his students.

Pete has served the school with distinction in a number of critical roles-program supervisor, assistant director at NOLS Rocky Mountain and associate director of human resources. In May of this year Pete was promoted to director of NOLS Rocky Mountain, the largest division of the school. In every position that he has served at the school he has done so with passion, enthusiasm and great humor.

The memorial service to celebrate Pete’s life will be this Sunday, August 19th, at 3pm at CWC/Sinks Canyon Center (SCC) in Lander.

It is with incredible sadness and great pride that NOLS remembers Pete Absolon.

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Written By

Casey Adams

Casey worked as a writer and PR specialist for NOLS.