Kresimir Milas was a renowned climber and active member of the Croatian Mountaineering Association and UIAA (Photo: CMA for UIAA)
The UIAA family was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Kresimir Milas while climbing Khan Tengri (7,010 m) in the Tian Shan mountain range on the border of China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Milas was an active member of the Croatian Mountaineering Association where he was involved in ice climbing, guiding and other activities. He had close ties with the UIAA Ice Climbing Commission and was most recently the host and organiser of the commission meeting in Paklenica, Croatia earlier this year.
The tragic accident took place on 27 July 2014 after an avalanche hit the climbers on Khan Tengri between Camp 1 and Camp 2 at an altitude of 4,700 m, the Croatian Mountaineering Association reported on their website.
In their tribute, the CMA wrote:
Milas left an indelible mark in the Croatian mountaineering and warmth and a friendly smile gained the respect and won the hearts of many hikers and climbers, and his tragic departure is an irreparable loss for the Croatian climbing, family and friends.
Milas died when he was thrown into a crevasse by the avalanche and his death was confirmed after a search that lasted several days.
As a member of the Croatian Mountaineering Association, Milas wore many different hats.
Milas doing what he loved best. (Photo: CMA for UIAA)
He was an alpine instructor and guide, head of the climbing commission and a member of the editorial board and regular contributor to the Croatian Mountaineer. Milas also played an important role for his association building ties with Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the British Mountaineering Council, UIAA and other organizations.
The UIAA sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Milas.
