Howell was clear-eyed about his mental health—free soloing was just one part of a therapeutic tool kit that by the end included counseling and medication.

“Life is an inherently dangerous sport,” Howell liked to say when people expressed concern over his soloing.

“Freesoloing isn’t a death wish, it’s a life wish,” Howell

You can’t kill me / I will not die / Not now, not ever / No never/ I’m gonna live a long, long time / My soul raves on forever.

I listened to the haunting lyrics of one of Howell’s favorite songs, “Wolves,” by Down Like Silver: When I die / Let the wolves enjoy my bones / When I die/ Let me go.