“How Fragile Life Is”: Dada Life’s Stefan Engblom on His Dangerous Climb of the Tallest Mountain in the Americas

Dada Life's Stefan Engblom has conquered Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas.

One of the world's elusive Seven Summits, Aconcagua is situated within the vast Andes mountain range at a summit elevation of 22,838 feet. Trading bananas for snow boots, Engblom says he trained rigorously for a year to withstand the mountain's harsh conditions.

"Climbing Aconcagua has been an extraordinary adventure," Engblom tells EDM.com. "The expedition didn't start upon entering the Andes but rather began nearly a year ago with dedicated training. I sought a tangible experience with real-world implications."

Engblom's route through Aconcagua was far from a walk in the park. He says he suffered from Acute Mountain Sickness, a condition caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes that can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches and difficulty walking. The DJ was one of three people on his expedition to deal with AMS, which can lead to detrimental health issues if left untreated.

Two others developed serious medical issues during the climb and had to be rescued by a helicopter, according to Engblom. They fell victim to high-altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, a severe and potentially fatal progression of AMS characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

HAPE can lead to mortality in 50% of affected individuals, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The climbers on Engblom's expedition ultimately recovered. 

"[The climb] stands in stark contrast to my usual approach of pursuing perfection and exerting control while mixing, writing and producing," Engblom added. "This journey involved stepping out of the comfort zone and allowing nature to guide the way."

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