Remembering Szilárd Suhajda

In the aftermath of the tragic incident of Szilard Suhajda's ascent to the summit of Mount Everest, we mourn with his family, the entire mountaineering community and his fans from around the world the loss of a remarkable figure who dedicated his life to climbing the world's highest peaks.

Szilárd has left an indelible mark. Not only his mountaineering achievements, but especially his human approach and invaluable contribution will always be remembered. We did not like to use the term ambassador at all, practically not at all, next to his name. We always referred to him as our friend because it only ever seemed right.

Without oxygen and without a sherpas, up there

Szilárd Suhajda was no ordinary guy with an axe in his hand. He was a man who constantly pushed the boundaries of human potential. Over the years, he achieved successes that set him apart not only from us down here, but also from many elite climbers.

In 2014, Szilárd climbed the 8,051-meter Broad Peak. Five years later, he became the first and only Hungarian to climb the treacherous 8,611-meter K2, cementing his status as a true legend in the mountaineering world. And in 2022, he reached another monumental milestone when he successfully summited the 8,516-metre Lhotse. All this without the aid of supplemental oxygen or high-altitude porters, making him one of an absolute handful of mountaineers who have managed to reach the summits of eight-thousanders in such a way.

Man with depth

Szilárd will not just be remembered as a mountaineer, however. He was a man of solid character, amazing humanity and passion for life. Each of our meetings together, of which we had several over the many years we worked together, quickly turned into deep personal conversations that could leave a lasting impression on a person. He had an extraordinary ability to inspire people, ignite a fire in them and motivate them to achieve long-delayed goals.

Szilárd also inspired us with his approach to nature. His determination to reach the summits without the aid of oxygen and without the help of Sherpas, flowed from his selflessness and striving for purity. He often spoke of, and in his diary entries from expeditions, he often mentioned how it bothered him to see the amount of waste that other climbers left behind. And he always did his best to leave nature in the condition he found it. He had his monumental goals, but no goal was big enough to cause him to trample on the principles that had guided him all his life.

Szilárd's passing is therefore a great loss not only to the mountaineering community, but to everyone who had the good fortune and honour to meet him even once. His legacy as a mountaineer, adventurer, but also as a mentor and friend, will remain with us forever and we are convinced that it will inspire generations to come.

Impact on ZAJO

Szilárd has also played a key role in the development of our brand. Through our collaboration, we have witnessed first-hand his passion for the mountains and his commitment to continuous improvement. Every feedback on our products has been extremely enlightening and has played a huge role in their further development. He constantly provided us with valuable insights directly from the nature, never neglecting even the smallest detail.

Our products would never be what they are today without his help.

Goodbye, Szilárd!

We are all devastated by the events of the last few days. Szilárd's untimely passing has left a void that hopefully the memory of his infectious enthusiasm for the world out there can fill with hindsight. At the same time, we feel that the best we can do to honor his life is to continue his legacy. To be inspired by his determination, humanity and goodness.

At the same time, we ask that the privacy of Szilárd's family and loved ones be respected. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to them and to all who have been touched by the loss of this extraordinary man.

Szilárd. You were more than just a climber. You were an inspiration, a voice of wisdom and a true friend. Your presence and kindness will be sorely missed, but your impact on the lives of all of us who had the privilege of knowing you will endure forever.

Rest in peace, our dear friend. May your spirit find solace among the mountains you so dearly loved. And may your memory continue to inspire countless people to resolve to reach their own heights.