In Memoriam: Kevin Hayne

[tmathews]

It was a year ago on June 15, 2010, when 14ers.com tragically lost a young member of our forum. Many knew Kevin as a kind-hearted individual with a bright and promising future. Please take a moment today to remember Kevin -- and keep his family and friends in your thoughts -- as we note this somber anniversary.

For those of you who joined 14ers.com after the incident, here are a few links.

The accident

The lessons

The tributes

[Mountainspirit]

Onward and Upward - RIP Kevin

[dcbates80911]

The shock from a year ago is still somewhat present. Kevin was a big loss, but the faith he had and that shown by his family and friends is incredibly strong. RIP my friend.

Last year, Kevin was just a start to a deadly season. Have fun this year, but keep safe......Onward!!!

[USAKeller]

The shock from a year ago is still somewhat present. Kevin was a big loss, but the faith he had and that shown by his family and friends is incredibly strong.

I definitely agree. It's hard to believe a year has gone by already and so fast.

[weschun]

The shock from a year ago is still somewhat present. Kevin was a big loss, but the faith he had and that shown by his family and friends is incredibly strong. RIP my friend.

Last year, Kevin was just a start to a deadly season. Have fun this year, but keep safe......Onward!!!

+1

[peter303]

I hope 2011 turns out a better year than the ten losses in 2010.
As far as I could tell most of them were pure bad-luck accidents with no real lessons on how to do better.

[Dancesatmoonrise]

...I also agree some accidents are just accidents, however some have mitigating circumstances. And when near-misses and accidents happen we have to be open to the critique of others, otherwise we are doomed to repeat ourselves with the potential for a fatal outcome the next time.

Before I head out to the mountains, I like to remind myself that the mountain is ultimately in control and if it doesn't want me to climb on it, the mountain will let me know. Sometimes it tells me that I can climb on it, but only if I have the right equipment. Other times I am not sure I understand what it is saying and sometimes it just flat out says no. This leads me to point out what I think is one of the differences between an experienced climber and a less experienced climber. An experienced climber understands the language the mountain is speaking. and as the mountains get harder in climbing difficulty typically their language becomes equally difficult. So someone who is class 1 and 2 experienced, ie has general knowledge to navigate terrain, brings the right layers and understands to bring extra food and water, may not be someone who is experienced to understand the language of class 4 and 5. We will all come across days when we get some place and the mountain just doesn't want to be climbed on or we brought the wrong gear, however instead of gutting out an "epic" summit an experienced climber will listen to the mountain and come back on another day and if you aren't understanding what the mountain is saying, it doesn't mean continue on with blind ignorance, but instead come back when you do understand. However, being able to speak a mountain's language is not always good enough to keep even the most experienced climber safe. Thus we are reminded by accidents like Kevin's that we all partake in a dangerous sport and that death is always a potential outcome...

We best honor our friends by never forgetting them and sharing with others the stories we have of them... I agree with Jason, the best memories are living the memories and with so many great stories out there about Kevin, I think the the sharing of those stories will be the best way to honor our young friend we have all lost.

+1


RIP, little brother...

[kushrocks]

Rest in Peace buddy!!!

[Johnson]

Thanks for the reminder Terry. He's now in the hands of Jesus his Savior. RIP Kevin. Will pray for comfort for his family and friends.

[SurfNTurf]

RIP, Kevin. I never met you but from everything I've heard and read, I wish I had.

[wildlobo71]

Peace brother... may you be an angel on our shoulders.

[unclegar]

Thanks for the reminder Terry. He's now in the hands of Jesus his Savior. RIP Kevin. Will pray for comfort for his family and friends.

+1 Bro

It was heartbreaking again to read through some of the threads from last year. I had climbed Little Bear from the same route just 1 week before Kevin's final attempt so it is an especially poignant remembrance for me. May God comfort Kevin's family and friends even now and let's all do our best to have a safe and prosperous climbing year.