Patrick Edlinger, a leading French climber in the 1980s and '90s, is dead at age 52. Cause of death has not yet been given. Edlinger died Friday at his home at La Palud-sur-Verdon.

Edlinger is best known to the world for his films on soloing in the steep, 1,500-foot Verdon; “Le Blond” had a smooth and beautiful style of climbing that lent itself to film.



American audiences may best remember Edlinger for his win, in a coincidental sudden shaft of sunlight, during the first climbing World Cup held on American shores, at Snowbird in the summer of 1988. He alone surmounted the crux roof, and as he lowered to cheers, he pointed at the iconic climber Henry Barber, watching from the audience, and called, “for you!”

He also visited and climbed at Hueco Tanks, making one of his popular films there.

Edlinger was a chief developer of the grand and steep cliff of Ceuse, in central France, boasting long, steep pitches, interspersed with relatively few bolts. A pioneering free soloist, Edlinger ranks with John Bachar, who died free soloing also at age 52, as one of climbing's first stars and professional climbers. Edlinger's notable solos included Orange Mechanique (5.13b) at Buoux and an onsight of Partie Carree (5.12d) also at Buoux. With a rope, Edlinger climbed the hardest routes of his day, including Maginot Line (5.14a/b) and Agincourt (5.14b).

Edlinger was seriously injured in a roped fall in 1995 when he skipped clips on a sport route, and went into cardiac arrest. He was revived, and ultimately suffered only torn muscles. Edlinger gave up free soloing after the birth of his daughter, who is now 10.
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