Live Fast Die Young: The Story of Marc-Andre Leclerc

Marc-Andre Leclerc was an adventurous spirit that found his true calling was in the mountains, climbing. He quickly rose to the top of the sport, when tragically his life was cut short while he was still in his prime. This is his story.

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[carlswenson]

"The Alpinist" is one of the absolute best climbing films ever made. If you enjoyed this video you should see it.

[sergeleclerc]

To those who think Marc-André did solo climbing regularly, define “regularly”. Yes of course he did but more often then not he climbed on ropes. The last weekend before he left for Juneau Alaska he stayed at my place for a few nights. We had an occasion to talk and share our stories as he didn’t get to see each other as much since he moved back to Agassiz. But on that weekend he told me he was done free soloing. He knew I didn’t like it whenever he hanged on a rock face way the fuck up without ropes hanging on on the tip of his toes and fingers. When I let him go with Brette to drive him to the airport I had no idea that would be the last time I would see my son ever again. Marc-André wasn’t climbing because he enjoyed the “rush”… he climbed because he loved it and he was very, very good at it. No, he didn’t have a death wish… he wanted to get married and live life with his love and partner. An avalanche changed all of that and my life too. 😔

[ryanh]

I did rock climbing in Squamish and it was amazing watching people free solo. I’d be there with ropes and it would take 20 min to ascent to the top of a certain rock face we were climbing. Meanwhile these guys would have EarPods listening to music and not saying a single word and just go up the wall in 2 minutes and then they would come DOWN by free soloing. Going up is one thing but going down and not being able to see where to place your feet is crazy. Anyone who likes to rock climb I would highly suggest going to Squamish it’s extremely beautiful, it’s also the same place where parts of walking tall with the rock we’re filmed.

[hazelem]

I am a mother and grandmother. My youngest child was born in 1992. He was the most adventurous of my three children. He took up skateboarding and was quite good at it. My heart was in my throat every time he did a flip or whatever he did and I found it very difficult to watch him. But he loved the sport. He had to go to the hospital many times, the same hospital where I worked, and I received a phone call every time from the emergency nurse to tell me my son was there. There were a couple of fractures and few stitches. Then when he was 14 he changed direction and focused on something else which finally became his profession to this day. I was eternally grateful. I can’t help but think of all the mothers and other family members who wait for their children to come home.

[rodneyshackelford]

Thank you. Ryan Johnson was my step nephew. I miss him.

[JankAt]

His stanley headwall solo is legendary, don't think it will ever be repeated, RIP.

[grippen]

I'm 44 years old, I haven't climbed anything since I was a teenager. Drugs and alcohol took me down a crazy path away from anything that gave me joy. As a person with adhad and epilepsy, seeing the story about Marc LeClair had me cheering from my couch. Bravo young man bravo.

[lancep]

I watched the documentary. I was blown away by his superhuman abilities. At the time I didn’t know he had died, but I predicted it while watching. Out of the thousands of amazing feats he accomplished all it takes is one little mishap. A 99.99% success rate is not good enough.

[deweytarver]

I’m not a climber, but I am truly fascinated by it. Continue to be surprised at the number of people who free-solo climb. All climbing truly impresses me and sends me into a dream world of seeing myself being able to do these things. I have watched The Alpinist so many times I’ve lost count. MAL, in my opinion, was absolutely incredible, just masterful. What was even more incredible was that he didn’t care who knew, if people were praising him, calling him the best, nothing. He did it because he loved it! R.I.P. Marc.

[Jack_all]

People who find their passion early in life truly fascinate me... Ive been searching for 45 years and still cant find the 1 thing i'm truly meant to do.

[viktormedina]

Not to start a fight with anyone, but I think "The Alpinist" is hands down the best movie/documentary film ever made about free soloing, having Marc-Andre as the center of the story, of course. I think it beats "Free Solo" in almost all departments, even the story and how is presented. Just wow!

[kerribennett]

I have recently discovered the documentary about Marc Andre Leclerc and have watched it over and over! I immediately fell in love with he and his precious Brette. They lived life on their terms. He was so very skilled and yes, a man out of his time as his friend said. My heart absolutely broke when the documentary ended with his demise. To see Brette so heartbroken and knowing that what they had was a once in a lifetime kind of love. I wish her everything amazing in life and happiness. Someone as self less as Marc Andre would want nothing more than
For her to find complete happiness again. He’s walking side by side, climbing side by side, right there with her. I hope she knows that. ❤

[amHlam]

For an individual, I think solo free-climbing a vertical wall arguably constitutes accepting and overcoming the ultimate challenge, distilled into a single task. Physically, psychologically, symbolically.

[halleck]

All those incredible solo ascents, and he actually died while climbing with a partner. You never know what's going to happen up there....

[IanGuildenstern]

A detailed and fascinating account of the life and times of Marc-André - a brilliant young climber and an inspiration to me! Best wishes from Canada 🇨🇦

[christofour]

I am 61 years old and live a rather boring life, and I like it this way. I enjoy sleeping in my own bed at night, comfy cozy in my own place. If it's cold outside, I put the heat on. I never could understand people like this who enjoy living in a tent on a cliff face while putting their life at risk. At least he died doing what he enjoyed.

[brendanpius]

We have mountains inside ourselves to achieve. ThankJESUS

[JayBruceWorld]

I knew Marc-André briefly while he attended AESS. For a time he was close to a girl named Tamara in my grade but I believe he was a year ahead of me despite being the same age. I can only imagine how much he must’ve appreciated being able to see Mt Cheam every day as it’s truly a wonder to behold for any young mind seeking adventure, let alone someone with the talent and abilities to know that mountain intimately.

[johnfox]

Great climber. Sad ending. Excellent video.

[connie]

Participating in these risky sports is something I don't understand, but I am fascinated by it and by the people who go so fearlessly through life. I just hate knowing how young so many of them die.