Remembering Mountaineer Jeremy Fuerst

Jeremy Fuerst was a more fruitful and accomplished climber than most of us would be in five lifetimes. He was an avid peakbagger, county high pointer, state high pointer, and an active member with the Seattle branch. Jeremy passed away in a climbing accident on September 9, 2021, in the Sangre de Cristo range in Colorado.

Philosopher, theologian, climbing historian, storyteller, conservationist, dog lover, advocate for the homeless, certified beer judge, and great friend. Jeremy had a large sense of humor, a booming laugh, and a surprisingly colorful use of the English language. This is the type of personality you want your outdoor partner to have for bumpy drives to obscure trailheads to nab county highpoints no one else has ever heard of, for long hikes in to crappy chossy climbs, and for boring nights in a tent waiting out the weather.

Jeremy in his bivy sack on a trip. 

Jeremy’s prolific exploits led him to tag 48 of the 50 U.S. state high points. To complete the last two states, his goal was to summit Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, in Alaska. This would be his 49th state high point. Then he planned on inviting all his friends and family to join him in tagging the highest point in the state of Arizona, which is a relatively easy walkup. This would be his 50th state high point, and he wanted to have everyone there to celebrate with him.

Jeremy also completed the majority of the county high points west of the Rockies, 38 out of 39 Washington county high points, and 15 peaks above 14,000 feet of elevation. Not only that, but he had visited almost every single Division One college football stadium. On Peakbagger.com he ranked in the top 1-2% of climbers in categories like isolation of climbs, prominence of climbs, and most climbs logged.

And he was just getting started. On Peakbagger there is a list of climbs called the Epic List. This is the hardest 95 climbs in the United States as measured by elevation, prominence, or isolation. Only three people have ever completed the Epic List. Without actively pursuing this list, Jeremy had already tagged 51 of the 95.

Jeremy’s knowledge of peaks, routes, beta, access issues, and recent trip reports was unmatched. He was an atlas and encyclopedia of both local and worldwide climbing and mountaineering exploits.

Jeremy passed away doing the thing he loved, climbing. He was in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range in Colorado, and left a crevasse-sized wound in the hearts of a very large number of people.

Jeremy was a very experienced climber with all the right gear and all the right training and outdoor education. He didn’t take unnecessary risks and was always well-prepared with a solid plan.

Jeremy was just an all-around good guy. He was giving of himself, his time, and his energy. Jeremy always had a positive outlook. And he was always there to help or support a friend. He was simultaneously a leader and a student.

Jeremy left behind his wife Shannyn, three brothers, a large extended family, and a massive network of friends - all of whom are grateful for the time they got to share with this great man.

The quantity of people affected by Jeremy’s passing is gigantic. He had a positive effect on so many, and was the type of person who makes a person say, “Man I’m lucky to have met that guy.” He was quite the character. He was one of a kind. There isn’t another one out there like him.

Jeremy back at camp after summiting Big Horn, the Lewis County High Point.

Lead image of Jeremy Fuerst at the Mt. Olympus summit, the Jefferson County High Point. All photos courtesy of friends & family of Jeremy.