Douglas Tompkins, co-founder of North Face and Esprit, dies in kayaking accident
Douglas Tompkins, conservationist and co-founder of The North Face and Esprit brands, died Tuesday after a kayaking accident in Chile. He was 72.
Local media reports say that Tompkins and five others were paddling on General Carrera Lake in the Patagonia region when their kayaks capsized. The water was below 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and Tompkins was confirmed dead at the Coyhaique Regional Hospital; the Health Ministry says his body temperature was just 66 degrees. None of the other kayakers were hurt.
Tompkins founded The North Face in 1966 as a small ski and backpacking retail and mail order company, and launched the clothing and accessories line Esprit in 1968, along with his wife, Susie. After Tompkins retired in 1989, he became involved in conservation and created Pumalin Park, 716,606 acres of forest and lakes stretching from the Andes to the Pacific in Chile, NBC News reports. In a statement, The North Face called Tompkins a "passionate advocate for the environment" and said his "legacy of conservation is one that we hope to help continue in the work we do every day."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Lanzarote travel guide: a sea-swept volcanic paradise
The Week Recommends Even a short exploration quickly shows the out-of-this-world island is undeserving of its 'Brits abroad' reputation
By William Leigh Published
-
The extra costs to consider when planning your summer holiday
The Explainer Air fares are on the rise but that is not the only charge you need to pay for your getaway
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
8 genre-defining Black country, folk and blues musicians
The Week Recommends Keeping the legacy alive, even when the industry tries to keep them down
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published