Reports have emerged of the tragic death of 16-year-old French climber, Luce Douady, who fell 500 feet to her demise while climbing a cliff in Isère on Sunday, as stated by the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME).
Douady was climbing with friends and approaching an unexplored sector near Grenoble when the fatal accident occurred. The mountain police in Haute Savoie confirmed her fall, and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
An initial inquiry indicates that Douady may have failed to properly secure her cable to the handrail while navigating the challenging pass, despite being familiar with the area. Police remarked that such accidents are rare in the region.
The FFME expressed deep sorrow, referring to Douady as a “very promising young athlete on the French climbing team.” They lamented the loss of a talented individual with a bright future and extended their condolences to her training comrades, coaches, and club, Chambéry Escalade.
The 2024 Paris Olympics committee also mourned Douady’s passing, acknowledging her as a promising talent and conveying sympathy to her loved ones.
Recognized as a young woman full of energy, passion, and talent, Douady started her climbing journey at a young age with her father in the Chartreuse Massif near their home.
In her climbing endeavors, she clinched the Youth World Championships bouldering title in 2019 in Italy and achieved fifth place in her debut at the International Federation of Sport Climbing Boulder World Cup circuit in Vail, Colo.
