Lander, WY & Bozeman, Obituary:

Aaron Keith Hjelt had many lives: climbing coach, DJAJ, activist, photographer, traveler, friend to countless people, son, brother and uncle. He took every one of his roles in life deeply to heart. 

Coaching and mentoring youth was Aaron’s life’s passion from the very beginning of his career. His dedication took him to over ten countries, where he inspired hundreds of young people to be brave in the world and grow in self-confidence. Through his travels, he met his greater circle of friends and left a lasting impression on each one. At the heart of every connection was a consistent message: to be a force for good, a catalyst for positive change, and a reminder that we all have the power to make the world better.

Aaron was the driving force behind the birth of Bozeman’s climbing team, The Climbing Academy, and his own business Alpha Climbing. He was a DJ and took pride in helping people come together and dance with joyful self-expressions. He loved taking photos of people, his travels, and the mountains. Most of his work he gave for free: lending a helping hand, taking graduation pictures, playing music for a birthday or wedding party, the list goes on. 

He was born on September 15, 1978 in Northern California. At the age of he 2 moved to Bloomington, Minnesota with his older brother Duane and parents Gary & Polly. From a young age he demonstrated natural leadership – rising through the ranks of Boy Scouts to become an Eagle Scout, and later serving as student body president during his senior year of high school.

Aaron was genuinely involved in athletics throughout high school. He competed in cross country, downhill skiing, and track and field, which he helped hold the state record for the 4x800-meter team relay during his senior year in high school.

After high school, he ran to the mountains and found his home in Bozeman Montana for over 20 years where he created a family of friends and wove his passions into his life’s work. 

Although he was saddened to leave the community he loved, he moved to Lander Wyoming in 2021 to pursue new opportunities in his life. He took on the project of improving his home to create a meaningful space to be used by other outdoor enthusiasts. During his time in Lander, he surprised himself by meeting likeminded friends in the Nordic ski community and being active with Lander’s recent rallies supporting democracy.

The world felt the weight of the profound loss on June 26th, when Aaron tragically passed while leading a climbing group in the Huesca region of Spain. While on an off day from climbing at the river at Gorge de Salinas, he slipped and fell into a small waterfall and was pulled under. Those who knew Aaron understood his deep respect for nature and his unwavering commitment to safety. He never took risks lightly. His passing was a heartbreaking and unforeseeable accident, and his absence leaves an unfillable space in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Our world needs more people like Aaron. If you knew him, please let him live on through the way you engage with life — with integrity, at full force, to enrich the lives around you, and our world — to be better. 

The following Obituary was published in the Bloomington, MN Sun Current, where Aaron grew up.  Thank you for reading both.

Aaron Hjelt  September 15, 1978 - June 26, 2025

Born in San Carlos, CA. In 1981,  he and his family moved to Bloomington, MN. where he grew up. 

Aaron was truly a “Coat of Many Colors.” Growing up, he tried everything, excelling in academics, art, music (Angelica Cantanti, All City Band, Bell Choir), ice skating, sports and rock climbing.        

Active in Boy Scouting, he was selected for “Order of the Arrow,” honored with the OA “Vigil Honor” and awarded the highest rank of “Eagle Scout.” At 14, was appointed the youngest leader ever at Pine Tree leadership training, eventually, taking him to 4 years of National Junior leadership training, Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM.

During his time at Jefferson High School, Aaron added Student Government to his resume, taking on many rolls. Culminating his senior year (1997), he received a Congressional Art Award, Senior Achievement and School Spirit awards, served as Student Body President, captained both his cross country team and slalom ski team, and helped his 4x800 relay team set a state record.

Aaron’s adventurous spirit led him to the snowy Highlands of Scotland in 1998, Denali’s summit in 1999 and El Capitan’s summit in 2000.

In 2000, he entered the U of M, Bozeman, MT majoring in Arts, and landing a local radio job as DJAJ. That job led him to DJing many local events. Still having a passion for rock climbing, he became head coach for Bozeman Climbing Team, leading them to the 2007 Big Sky Region Team Champions and named “Coach of the Year” for the second straight season.

In 2017, Aaron took a bold step, establishing his own company, Alpha Climbing, introducing opportunities and mentorship for youth and young adults. His climbing program offered experiences both nationally and internationally, while also introducing participants to each location’s culture, food and history.

Aaron will be fondly remembered in countless ways, especially when working with the youth—his kindness, quick wit, zest for life, adventurous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. We love you, Aaron Hjelt—aka DJAJ—and will miss you deeply. You will live on in our hearts forever.

Please visit the website created to share more about Aaron, Alpha Climbing, cherished memories, and his enduring legacy. His family warmly welcomes your stories, photos, and reflections on this site. May his memory be a blessing to all.

https://everloved.com/life-of…

Aaron is survived by his parents Polly and Gary Hjelt; brother Duane Hjelt; sister-in-law Jeanine; and nephews Rylan and Caleb, with whom he shared a special bond.

We will be celebrating his life together in Bozeman, Montana at the Emerson Cultural Center on September 13th, 2025.

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