Missing climber Marc André Leclerc’s father, Serge Leclerc, has taken to social media to share the tragic news of his son and climbing partner Ryan Johnson’s death.
Leclerc (25) from Squamish, British Columbia and Johnson (34) of Juneau, Alaska had been missing since March 5th. The two were climbing a previously unclimbed route on the Mendenhall Towers just north of Juneau, and had posted a photo from the top after establishing a new route on the north face of the Main Tower.
A search began after the two failed to return to Juneau on March 7th as planned.
Late Tuesday, Serge Leclerc’s posted the news of his son’s death on Facebook:
“To all of our friends near and far who have been supporting us and praying for Marc André I wanted you all to hear it from me first hand before it’s in the news. Sadly we have lost two really great climbers and I lost a son I am very proud of. Thank you for the support during this difficult time. My heart is so broken… Part of me is gone with him…
“Our family appreciates all of your prayers and we would like to ask for a time of privacy as we come to grip with these devastating developments… Marc-André was an amazing, loving man and he has touched many lives in so many ways. He will be remembered and loved forever. I know he is with our Lord and I will be with him again one day.”