Fox reporting one snow climber found (Deceased)

[ConservativeMan55]

One climber found dead on Mt. Hood

[proud_yank]

I agree but the big storm came in a day or two after they started searching. A PLB might have saved valuable time during the first days. So sad...prayers for all the families, including those in the rescue team.

Agreed.

A PLB certainly would have been helpful. Do you know when the first call for help come in?

[Just Lori]

...being voluntarily involved in a blizzard at 11,000 feet?

Ah, so THAT'S why they went! They KNEW the weather was going to be so bad, at least one of them would end up dead, right? I'm not sure where you live, but the weather in the Cascades can change on a dime, forecast be damned.

[proud_yank]

I just like to look at things in perspective, thats all ;-)

I haven't been out in a while, time and money (more the latter). In AK now, so I've got mountains right out my door, and I start working tomorrow so hopefully that will be 'remedied' soon!

[Rushmore Rocks]

My son is also a climber. He once told me that next to flying his plane, being at the top of Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier was the closest he came to touching God. (yes, I know it was a metaphor, but it was meaningful to him.)

I am glad that there are still men in this country who are willing to face challenges and be stronger because of them. We need more like them.

[Graymatter]

There's plenty of jf&e to be found without risking one's life and the happiness of one's family.
People who need to get close to death to feel...fulfilled or exhilarated, are people who need some adjustment.
Funny how they don't need to get close to criticism to feel it exquisitely.

[Dog Gone]

I don't want to be a pessimist, but you can't survive in those conditions for a week. Unprotected, you won't survive an hour.

It's unrealistic to think the other two hikers were able to get more than a thousand feet away from the cave where the other hiker was found. Especially if they actually headed UP the mountain.

And if they were intent on getting to rescue instead of holing up themselves as it appears, they probably made their last mistake. Exhausted, cold, tired, and dehydrated, they probably eventually just laid down. It's what I would have done.

I'm hoping for rescue. That would be a very joyful surprise.

[tsmith130]

Do you know when the first call for help come in?

I believe the call that the one climber who was alone in a snowcave (most likely the body they found today) made to his wife, came in last weekend...not sure exactly when. She then notified authorities. I believe it was Sunday.

[Dog Gone]

At the morning press conference, the father of one of the men addressed the issue of the rescue cost and said that they would pay back as much of the cost as they could.

And that breaks your heart, too. Realistically, no family has the assets to pay for the search, yet you know they'd give anything to get their family member back alive.

[Shire]

Do you know why he was alone? The article I read said, "There has been no communication from Kelly James, 48, of Dallas, 37-year-old Brian Hall of Dallas, or 36-year-old Jerry "Nikko" Cooke of New York City since Dec. 10, when James used his cell phone to call his family. He told them he was sheltering in a snow cave while his companions started back down the mountain, apparently to get help for him." Was he injured and they had to go for help?

[proud_yank]

My son is also a climber. He once told me that next to flying his plane, being at the top of Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier was the closest he came to touching God. (yes, I know it was a metaphor, but it was meaningful to him.)

The feeling is amazing. I was exhausted and cold on my first summit, and reaching it warmed me right up!

I am glad that there are still men in this country who are willing to face challenges and be stronger because of them. We need more like them.

Agreed. IMHO, the same attitude and approach applies to business too. When I was interviewing I used a couple mountaineering examples/analogies too and got an offer :-)

[tsmith130]

Yes, I believe he told his wife he was injured and his friends had gone for help.

[La Enchiladita]

There are risk-takers and there are rescuers. And then, there are the rest of us, a few of whom just can't keep quiet about criticizing the other two...

Human nature in all its array, I guess. Still hoping that one or both of the others will be found alive.

[Dog Gone]

That's something I had heard of, but your first hand experience makes it seem understandable.

I don't think there's any doubt that freezing temperatures can affect your judgment. It doesn't hurt quite as bad as frying in oil, but the human body isn't equipped to deal with the extremes.

[proud_yank]

People who need to get close to death to feel...fulfilled or exhilarated, are people who need some adjustment. Funny how they don't need to get close to criticism to feel it exquisitely.

Mountaineering has nothing to do with 'getting closer to death', though every other movie, TV show, and idiot loves to portray it as such.

Again, I would wager a healthy sum of money that cholesterol related death rates of those whose hobbies include sitting around watching football are higher than those who engage in mountaineering. Factor in drinking and driving deaths to and from games or the sports bar, and there is certainly no comparison.

[helen crump]

I guess...
On Kelly, I've heard several times that he may have been hurt and that the other two had to leave him behind and go for help. Had there been any word on what his injury was? Did his family know from the phone call?

[Just Lori]

Ah, so you are the all knower of ALL things, not just that which is probable. So when a kid goes out with his family on a summer vacation, and drowns in the lake, I suppose he was just trying to get close to death. The kid must have had a deathwish. Maybe his parents were trying to get rid of him, so they picked a dangerous place for a vacation.

And the young man who died a couple weeks ago in Oregon should have stayed in the car with his family, even though he did that for a week, yet no help came. He just wanted to commit suicide while putting his wife and babies in danger, right? I know....he shouldn't have gotten them lost in the first place. If they hadn't been traveling to be with family at Thanksgiving, it wouldn't have happened. Do you hear yourself?

These guys were experienced climbers. They had been climbing together before, and were prepared for it. Circumstances can change very fast (like the weather) and catch anyone off guard. Maybe you could consider praying for them instead of bitching about their foolish ideas of fun. Just a thought.

[evangmlw]

You should really see a doctor. Perhaps you need a heart transplant -- you're beyond cold-hearted. Apparently your heart has been frozen solid.

[LeGrande]

jdm

I rock climb, ice climb, fly, soar, kayak, sea kayak, dive, back country ski, sky dive, mountain bike, spelunk, etc. I admit it, I am an adrenaline junkie. Will I die doing one of these activities? Other than the pain it would cause my wife and family, I hope I do, when I am very old.

I also volunteer for search and rescue. I have flown long hours looking for missing hikers. I have helped carry injured people to safety. I have never been paid for any of that and I would refuse the money if offered. The compensation I get simply by helping is more than enough. With few exceptions everyone that I have ever worked with feels the same (except for the helicopter pilots, who simply can't afford it themselves).

You are right. Those people like yourself who choose not to experience life shouldn't have to pay when those who do screw up. I will gladly pay for my rescue if it is ever necessary.

My question to you jdm, is should everyone be responsible for their own life and mistakes, whatever they may be? If your answer is yes then we agree.

[Rushmore Rocks]

I'm so glad you understand. Too few here do.

[Just Lori]

Would you consider taking me white water rafting? I must admit, I'm not the greatest swimmer, but then...I taught myself. After that we could maybe do some hang gliding? Woooowhooo! What a ride! =)