Yucatan's Iwan Huws - RIP

The death of Iwan Huws in January 2018 was a loss that resonated far beyond the foot of the mountains he loved. At just 34 years old, Iwan was a man of dual passions: he was the steady, rhythmic heartbeat of the band Yucatan, and an elite, experienced mountaineer who felt most at home on the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia).

On January 14, Iwan set out to climb his favorite mountain, Tryfan, via the North Ridge. Despite his immense experience—having trekked the Himalayas and the Inca Trail—and being fully equipped for the conditions, he tragically lost his footing on the West Face. Following a massive search operation involving over 50 volunteers, he was found the following morning. The tragedy was underscored by the fact that Iwan was training to become a mountain leader himself, intending to dedicate his life to helping others safely navigate the landscapes he adored.

Within the Welsh music community, Iwan was cherished as much for his character as his talent. As the drummer for the Caernarfon-based Yucatan, he was a vital part of a band that had earned the admiration of legends like Tim Burgess and Gruff Rhys. His bandmates remembered him not just as a musician, but as a "funny, chilled out, and lovely person" who brought a sense of calm and joy to every tour and rehearsal.

His legacy continues to live on through the Cronfa Iwan Huws fund. Established by his partner and family, the charity transformed a moment of profound grief into a force for good, raising thousands for the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team and providing musical instruments for young people in his home community. Iwan Huws remains a symbol of the adventurous, creative spirit of North Wales—a man who lived his life with rhythm, height, and a deep love for the land.

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