Climbing Solo vs. Climbing with a Partner - questions

In this documentary, an amazing piece of work, I am really curious about the ending and circumstances around the accident.

Marc-André truly seemed fine to climb and conquer on his own. The mind-boggling way he climbed effortlessly around seemingly impossible angles of ice and rock, were astonishing, and awe-inspiring of his dedication and skill.

He mentioned that the presence of others would taint the adventure and experience by their very presence.

It is interesting on a climb with another man, using ropes? And on a spectacular and clear day, they did not make it on the decent. It said an avalanche, I guess a true force of nature, foreshadowed by the girlfriend took them out.

Respectfully RIP to both Marc-André and Ryan.

My questions are:

1) Why did he climb that peak in Alaska with someone else? A strong climber, not a master like Marc-André. I got the impression this was a challenging, but routine mountain.

2)I guess nothing should be taken for granted up there, but to the climbing community is it surprising or shocking that after a summit, this could happen?