Indian-origin techie killed in tragic climbing fall in Washington's North Cascades
PTC Web Desk: Seattle-based Indian-origin tech executive Vishnu Irigireddy, 48, was among three climbers killed in a devastating mountaineering accident in Washington state's North Cascades mountain range. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday while Irigireddy and his three friends were descending the North Early Winters Spire, a granite peak popular with seasoned climbers.
According to NBC News and Climbing.com, the group—consisting of Tim Nguyen, 63, Oleksander Martynenko, 36, Anton Tselykh, 38, and Irigireddy—decided to retreat due to an approaching storm. During the descent, their anchor point reportedly failed, sending all four climbers plummeting nearly 200 feet. Tselykh was the only survivor and, despite serious injuries, managed to drive 64 km to alert authorities.
Irigireddy, Vice President of Engineering at Fluke Corporation, was remembered by his company as a visionary leader whose loss is felt deeply across the organisation. A respected figure in Seattle’s tech and cultural circles, he was known for his passion for nature, adventure, and personal growth.
His family described him as “an experienced climber who found joy and purpose in nature.” They have requested donations to two non-profit organisations in his memory, with a cremation ceremony scheduled for Thursday.
Tselykh remains hospitalised with internal injuries and a traumatic brain injury. The climbing community mourns the loss of three lives in what is being called one of the most tragic incidents in the region in recent years.
- With inputs from agencies
