Jon Schleicher Obituary – Denver, Colorado’s Climbing and Outdoor Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Passionate Adventurer Jon Schleicher
DENVER, COLORADO — A heartbreaking sense of loss has gripped Colorado’s close-knit outdoor and climbing community following the untimely death of Jon Schleicher, who passed away as the result of a tragic climbing accident. A passionate and skilled mountaineer, beloved friend, and deeply admired member of the Denver community, Jon’s passing has left an unfillable void among those who shared his love of nature, challenge, and camaraderie.
The accident occurred earlier this week in a remote section of the Colorado wilderness, where Jon was engaged in a technical climb—a pursuit that was not only his passion but also a core part of his identity. While details surrounding the incident remain limited pending official investigation, authorities confirmed that Schleicher succumbed to fatal injuries sustained during the fall. Search and rescue teams responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts, but tragically, Jon could not be saved.
Jon Schleicher, in his mid-30s, was widely known and deeply respected in both local and national climbing circles. With over a decade of experience summiting peaks across North America, he was as much a teacher as a participant in the outdoor world—mentoring newcomers, organizing group climbs, and always emphasizing the importance of safety, preparation, and mutual respect in the backcountry.
Friends describe Jon as the kind of person who could light up a trailhead with his infectious enthusiasm and calm presence. He was known for approaching every climb, from the simplest boulder to the most complex alpine route, with a mixture of reverence, humility, and unwavering focus.
“Jon didn’t climb for the glory. He climbed to connect—with the mountain, with his friends, with himself,” said longtime friend and climbing partner Eric Holloway. “He was the kind of guy who would double-check your harness and then stay behind to make sure everyone made it back down safely. His loss feels like losing a part of the mountain itself.”
Originally from the Midwest, Jon made Denver his home over a decade ago, quickly immersing himself in the state’s vibrant outdoor culture. When he wasn’t climbing, Jon worked as a freelance graphic designer, often setting his laptop up in mountain lodges, coffee shops, or quiet cabins, living a life that seamlessly blended adventure and creativity. He was also a volunteer with several wilderness education programs and routinely donated time to environmental conservation efforts across Colorado.
His social media platforms, now filled with heartfelt tributes, chronicled years of breathtaking ascents, sunrises from high-altitude ridgelines, and moments of deep reflection shared from the solitude of nature. More than just a climber, Jon was a storyteller who used words and images to share his profound respect for the wild places he loved.
In the days following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the outdoor world. Fellow climbers, hikers, conservationists, and adventure photographers have shared memories, photos, and messages of gratitude for the impact Jon had on their lives.
“There are some people whose spirit becomes part of the wilderness,” one tribute read. “Jon was one of them. His voice echoed in canyon walls, and now, it will live there forever.”
A memorial service celebrating Jon’s life will be held in Denver later this month, with plans also in motion for a sunrise hike and candlelight vigil at one of Jon’s favorite local climbing areas—an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect, and honor his legacy in the most fitting way: under the open sky.
Jon Schleicher is survived by his parents, two siblings, and a wide network of friends and fellow adventurers who considered him family. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Search and Rescue Colorado, two organizations Jon deeply admired and supported.
Though he has climbed his final peak, Jon’s legacy will live on in every climber who ties in with care, in every camper who pauses to admire a sunrise, and in every life made richer by the outdoors he loved so dearly.
Rest high, Jon Schleicher. The mountains will never forget you.