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Dedicated to Andrew Louis Acuff - September 30, 1994 – September 12, 2021

Andrew's Dream Chasers

In Memoriam - Andrew Acuff

“I try my best to see what mother nature has to offer us, and to cherish the small moments and little joys found in each and every day” – https://www.instagram.com/aacuff4/

Andrew Louis Acuff was a climber, runner, and physical therapist. He was also an ideal son, brother, friend, and husband. With gentle smiles and his goofy yet sincere presence, he befriended all wherever his soul carried him – usually crags, climbing gyms, boulders, running trails, and mountains.

He unexpectedly passed away at the age of 26 on September 12, 2021, falling while attempting the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup after many months of targeted preparation. The news of Andrew’s death was quickly picked up by some local Salt Lake City news stations, as well as on U.S. national AP news and then some other major news outlets around the world, mostly to spread the news and discourage attempting the WURL.

The clickbait media failed to acknowledge his many years of rock climbing and ultra-marathon experience. They also did not mention that in the mountains, you can do everything right and still perish due to conditions out of your control. Most frustratingly, they failed to do justice to his epic life. Andrew studied and practiced physical therapy because he cared about people. He was a healer who treated all with respect and kindness. Knowing the profound joys of an active, outdoor lifestyle, he sought to repair, restore, and strengthen anyone in need. Patiently, he helped others set and achieve worthy goals while grounded in wholesome reality. He did this on days he trained towards his own goals, passionately working for improvement and life-enriching experience. His loving, adventurous soul lives on in his friends and family, grateful for photos and memories of him.