In a tragic event, a climber found himself dangling just out of reach of his rescuers, uttering his final chilling words.
Toni Kurz, born in 1913 in Berchtesgaden, was deeply influenced by the mountains of Bavaria from a young age, leading him to pursue climbing as a profession. His innate talent for climbing was honed during his early metalworking apprenticeship at sixteen, which made him skilled and confident when he joined the elite German mountain infantry in 1934.
Partnered with Andreas Hinterstoisser, Kurz explored new paths in the Alps, including the challenging North Face of the Eiger, also known as ‘Die Mordwand’ (the Murder Wall). Despite their experience, they lacked proper equipment when faced with the treacherous 1,800-meter drop, compounded by an impending storm and hazardous terrain.
During their ascent, a fatal mistake led to the demise of their team members. Kurz was the sole survivor, clinging to the icy wall as Swiss guides attempted a rescue. Despite his efforts to descend, Kurz faced a harrowing setback when his rope fell short, eventually succumbing to the elements after days of gripping the face.
The tragic outcome reverberated across Europe, immortalizing Kurz and his companions in mountaineering lore, with features named after them on the mountain that served as their final challenge.