Douglas Tompkins, founder of the North Face and Esprit, died on Tuesday after a kayaking accident on General Carrera Lake in southern Chile. He was 72 years old.
Tompkins was boating with five other adventurers when the strong waves on the lake caused the group's kayaks to capsize. His death was confirmed by the Coyhaique Regional Hospital, where Mr. Tompkins was flown with severe hypothermia. No one else was seriously injured.
In the mid-1960s, Tompkins founded the North Face as a small ski and backpacking shop in North Beach with the mantra, “Never Stop Exploring.” A lifelong outdoorsman, Tompkins later pursued his passion for nature and conservationism.
"Doug was a passionate advocate for the environment," said The North Face in a statement. "His legacy of conservation will help ensure that there are outdoor spaces to be explored for generations to come."
