From Climbing · Ryleigh Norgrove · · 1m
Christopher Wren, Climber and Reporter
Christopher Wren, a legendary climber and reporter, died at 89 after a career blending mountaineering and journalism.
In brief
Christopher Wren, a legendary climber and reporter, died at 89 after a career blending mountaineering and journalism. Christopher Wren, a climber and reporter who died at 89, revealed Soviet climbers' deaths in the Pamirs and had a wry sense of humor. Originally reported by Climbing.
Christopher Wren's death
Christopher Wren passed away on February 15, 2026, at age 89.
Wren's early life
Wren began climbing at Dartmouth, where he found kinship in the outdoors.
First ascent of Denali
Wren joined the 1962 team that first climbed Denali's Southeast Spur.
Pamir expedition
Wren reported on Soviet climbers' deaths in the 1974 Pamirs, breaking the news for the New York Times.
Wren's humor
Wren used caviar instead of peanut butter for the Pamirs expedition, earning teammates' disgust.
Wren's legacy
Wren wrote songs recorded by Johnny Cash and authored books including Walking to Vermont.
The one thing
Christopher Wren, a climber and reporter who died at 89, revealed Soviet climbers' deaths in the Pamirs and had a wry sense of humor.
