Basking Ridge Native, 37, Dies During 'Strenuous, Challenging Hike'

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A 37-year-old Basking Ridge native and new mountaineer, Andrew Wong, died on Sept. 9 during a strenuous and challenging hike through the Enchantments in Leavenworth, WA.

"Andy achieved the incredible accomplishment of summitting Dragontail Peak," according to his obituary with Heintzelman Funeral Home. "He passed quickly while doing something he truly loved."

He lived most recently in Long Island City (Queens), though he also called Philadelphia, PA, Basking Ridge, NJ, and Durham, PA home.

Wong is survived by his wife, Sloane Wong; his pets, Evie and Mr. Kitty; his loving parents, Ann and Henry Wong; his siblings, Ben Wong and Katy Wong (Christopher Chaffin); and his nephew, Rostam Wong Chaffin.

"Andy grew up with a deep curiosity and love for exploring the world around him. A true adventurer at heart, Andy rarely said no to a new experience, and he constantly sought out new challenges and opportunities to grow. He was always the one to initiate plans, rallying friends and family for trips, outings, and activities," according to his obituary.

"From hiking to kayaking, camping to traveling, Andy’s energy for adventure and experiencing the world was limitless. He was always eager to try something new, to see more, and to do more. He had a way of making even the simplest moments more fun, always encouraging those around him to step outside their comfort zones and try something new," according to his obituary.

Wong was an experienced hiker with a growing interest in mountaineering, having just completed a rigorous, weeklong Alpinism course, a birthday gift from his parents.

He frequently hiked the Appalachian Trail, and just this summer completed a hike in New Mexico where he traversed six peaks of 12,000 feet or more.

"Andy was an amazing listener, a never stingy hugger, and a fierce champion for everyone in his life. His warmth, energy, and irreverent sense of humor made life brighter for anyone lucky enough to know him," according to his obituary. "Andy lived with a boundless curiosity, always seeking new horizons and adventures. We take comfort in knowing that, in his final moments, he was doing something he loved — something that filled him with joy and purpose."

There will be a funeral service for Andy on Saturday at 11 a.m., at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Durham in Durham, PA.

The family will receive guests at the church from 10 a.m. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be held at the Durham Cemetery, Durham. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. Hellertown.

In honor of Andy’s love for bright colors — especially orange and colorful sneakers—his family welcomes vibrant, celebratory colors at his memorial.

"We encourage everyone to dress in a way that feels authentic and true to themselves — just as Andy always pushed those around him to do," according to the obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chelan County Mountain Rescue or Social Tees NYC.

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