Editor’s Update: Kurt Albert died at 8:45 p.m. on September 28. Read an obituary in the September 29, 2010 NewsWire
News that Kurt Albert was dead swept across news outlets, climbing forums and blogs in many countries this morning. The rumor was followed by reports that Albert is alive, but in critical condition. According to Kletterszene.com, Albert was part of a team of guides bringing a group up the Hoehenglueckssteig, a via ferrata route outside of Hersbruck, Germany, on Sunday. In the first third of the route, Albert fell approximately 60 feet and was evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital. Further details regarding the nature and cause of the fall are unclear. Police in Regensburg, Germany told DPA News that Albert was alive at 15:00 (CEST) on Tuesday.
Albert is perhaps best known for inventing the term “rotpunkt” or “redpoint” to describe the first time a sport route is climbed without aid.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.