Torger Anders Henckel, 22, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, while pursuing his passion of hiking and rock climbing. He was born Aug. 22, 1997, in Viroqua, to Gregg and Nancy (Van Kirk) Henckel. He was baptized and confirmed at English Lutheran Church in Viroqua. He graduated from Luther High School in 2015 and was completing his final semester at South Dakota School of Mines, pursuing a degree in mining engineering. He had accepted a job offer in Tucson, Ariz., with Freeport McMoRan as a mining engineer.

Torger competed collegiately in both Mine Rescue and Mining and Mucking. Mining and Mucking is an international collegiate team competition in traditional mining skills. He participated in the International Championship all four years, while in college. His high point was when his team became world champs in Cornwall, England, clinching the overall championship for SDSM&T with his gold in surveying.

He will be missed by family, friends and the SD Mines community.