Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

The Last Iceman of Ecuador, Baltazar Ushca Ushca, Passes Away at 80

Ecuador has lost a true legend with the passing of Baltazar Ushca Ushca, the last mountain ice harvester in the country. For over 50 years, Ushca climbed to the top of Mount Chimborazo, the country’s highest summit, to extract ice. His dedication to this age-old profession made him a national and international icon.

Known affectionately as “Taita,” which means companion and father in Quechua, Ushca’s death came as a shock to his hometown of Guano. He suffered a fatal fall while herding cattle, a tragic end to a life dedicated to preserving a tradition that dates back generations.

Ushca’s commitment to his craft was unwavering. Twice a week, he braved the harsh conditions of Chimborazo to harvest ice blocks weighing up to 20 kilograms. Despite the advent of refrigeration rendering his profession obsolete, Ushca continued to climb the mountain, inspiring documentaries and earning accolades for his resilience.

In his later years, Ushca pursued education, completing his primary schooling at the age of 73 and even receiving an honorary doctorate in 2017. His legacy as an iceman and cultural icon will forever be remembered by the people of Ecuador.

As a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, Ushca continued to share his story and knowledge with visitors, leaving a lasting impact on those who crossed his path. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage praised his work, acknowledging his contribution to preserving Ecuadorian traditions.

Baltazar Ushca Ushca may have passed on, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless individuals inspired by his dedication to a vanishing way of life.

Who was Baltazar Ushca?

Baltazar Ushca was a legendary figure in Ecuador, known as the last mountain ice harvester in the country. He spent over fifty years climbing Mount Chimborazo, the highest summit in Ecuador, to extract ice at the top. Sadly, Ushca passed away at the age of 80 in his hometown of Guano.

What made Baltazar Ushca a legend?

Baltazar Ushca became a legend due to his unique profession as an ice harvester on Mount Chimborazo. He was the last practitioner of this age-old profession, making him an iconic figure both nationally and internationally. The municipality of Guano in central Ecuador described him as a national and international icon, deeply mourning his passing.

How did Baltazar Ushca meet his unfortunate demise?

Tragically, Baltazar Ushca met his end after suffering a severe fall while herding cattle at his home. A bull overpowered him and threw him to the ground, causing serious injuries that ultimately led to his death.

What was Baltazar Ushca’s legacy?

Baltazar Ushca inherited his trade from his father at a young age and dedicated his life to the profession of ice harvesting. Twice a week, he would climb to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo to extract large blocks of ice, which he would then sell in the city of Riobamba. Despite the advent of refrigeration technology, Ushca continued his trade, inspiring documentaries and receiving recognition for his dedication.

How did Baltazar Ushca contribute to his community?

In addition to his work as an ice harvester, Baltazar Ushca was a respected member of his community. At the end of his life, he worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, showcasing his heritage and knowledge to visitors. His work was praised by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage as a valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of Ecuador.

Overall, Baltazar Ushca’s life and work as an ice harvester on Mount Chimborazo left a lasting impact on his community and the world, solidifying his legacy as a national and international icon. Through his dedication and perseverance, he became a symbol of resilience and tradition in the face of modernization.