**Tragic Death of Beloved Climbing Guide Audrie Pelosi at Devil’s Lake State Park**
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Audrie Pelosi, a prominent figure in the local climbing, cycling, and snowboarding community, tragically passed away on May 30, 2026, during a climbing safety course at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. She was just 30 years old.
The circumstances surrounding Pelosi’s death have left many in shock. According to her friend and fellow climbing instructor, Jeff Vogtschaller, Pelosi was in the midst of teaching a gear safety course when the incident occurred. “She just moved a few yards away to set up a whole new bunch of equipment, and that was the last anyone saw of Audrie,” he informed WMTV. The exact details of the accident remain unclear, leaving her friends and family grappling with the loss.
Devil’s Lake State Park was a locale closely associated with Pelosi and her vibrant lifestyle. Her obituary encapsulates her ethos, depicting her life as one full of “adventure, connection, and purpose.” She spent her days eagerly seeking the next mountain to climb or trail to conquer, and was known as “one tough adventure chick.” Many community members have expressed their sorrow by leaving floral tributes at Wildside Action Sports, the climbing gear shop managed by her husband, Jimmy Robinson.
In a heartfelt statement regarding Pelosi’s impact, Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park said, “We are shocked and saddened, and we are sending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and the climbing community. We thank her for all she brought to the Baraboo community.”
In the wake of her passing, a GoFundMe campaign has been established by a friend, Anastasia Exterovich, to aid Robinson with funeral expenses. The fundraiser, initially set with a goal of £5,000, has surpassed £23,000 as of June 4. Exterovich fondly recalls the couple’s extraordinary bond, stating they were undoubtedly “made for each other.” She provided a glimpse into Pelosi’s spirit, recalling a recent conversation where the climber jokingly offered her handmade bike chain link earrings “for free.99”, exemplifying her generous nature.
Pelosi’s obituary painted a vivid picture of her adventurous spirit. She was described as “a lover not a fighter” who embodied both resilience and kindness. This narrative resonated strongly within the community, where she had made her mark not just as a climber but as an influencer of an active lifestyle.
Friends and family have asked those wishing to honour Pelosi’s memory to make donations to charitable organisations she supported. Suggested charities include Ruff Rescue, NAMI, The Access Fund, and Protect Our Winters, or any other organisation that reflects her values and passions.
Plans for a Celebration of Life in Pelosi’s hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, are still in the works. Many are expected to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life that, though cut short, inspired so many.
Audrie Pelosi’s legacy as a dedicated climber and community member will endure, her adventurous spirit leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to know her. The climbing community has lost a key figure, but her passion for the outdoors and her commitment to fostering connections will continue to resonate in the hearts of many.