The mountain community awoke to shocking news from the Caucasus Mountains: Piolet d’Or winner Archil Badriashvili of Georgia died Saturday after a lightning strike on his country’s Shkhelda Peaks (4,388m). He was 34 years old.
Badriashvili was with three partners, all experienced climbers and members of a mountain rescue team. They said the weather worsened as they descended from the summit. At a certain point, lightning struck Badriashvili (or very close to him). The climber then fell from the ridge, according to Mtisambemi.ge.
The Shkhekda Peaks, in Georgia’s Caucasus. Photo: Mountain.ru
The other three called immediately for an emergency airlift, but the helicopter only reached the site of the accident the following day, allegedly due to bad weather.
Badriashvili had made a name for himself for both his climbing vision and his friendly nature. He was always willing to help other climbers and tried to bring attention to the mountains of his homeland.
A physician but also a professional mountain guide, Badriashvili climbed extensively in the Caucasus. When abroad, he focused on exploratory climbs in alpine style. His first ascent of the isolated Saraghrar Northwest (7,300m) with Baqar Gelashvili and Giorgi Tepnadze in 2021 earned him and the team a Piolet d’Or.
Archil Badriashvili in the Caucasus some months ago. Photo: Facebook
Earlier this year, Badriashvili joined Marko Prezelj and Manu Pellisier to attempt a new route on Nanda Devi East. At ExplorersWeb, he was a reliable source of insightful comments about alpine-style expeditions and a trusted friend.
