David Lama and Hansjörg Auer missing in Canada
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Austrian alpinists David Lama and Hansjörg Auer are feared missing after an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains. The news, still awaiting official confirmation, was first reported by Austria's Tiroler Tageszeitung - and subsequently widely quoted by other media outlets including Italy's ANSA news agency. According to the newspaper, a huge avalanche occurred and yesterday, Wednesday 17 April, a first helicopter reconnaissance proved unsccessful. It is assumed there may also be other people involved.
Unquestionably two of the most talented mountaineers in the world, 28-year-old Lama and 35-year-old Auer had traveled to the Canadian Rockies only recently. Along with 36-year-old leading American alpinist Jess Roskelley the trio had repeated Andromeda Strain, a difficult route up the NE Face of Mount Andromeda. ANSA has reported that there are also concerns about the fate of Roskelley.