14ers.com

From all accounts I know of Sean (I never met him), he was known to be a great individual both on and off the mountain.

Our group of 3 did Snowmass exactly the week after Sean's accident (same route, too). We did not can cancel the planned trip, but to say we were on edge the whole time would be an understatement. Sean was in our thoughts that weekend and pretty much every time I look at Snowmass since then. So glad some good people from this site were able to stay with him and comfort him in his last moments. RIP, Sean.

Jeff, I can only imagine how comforting it must have been for Sean to have you there with him rather than being alone. I hope that the family may find peace in knowing that his memory will not be lost.

Jeff, this is a rare and encouraging post, and thank you for being committed to the enduring memory of your lost friend, and our lost colleague. I'm sure Sean's family is comforted in knowing that he was not alone up there.

Sean and his family are in our prayers

Losing a member of our small community is never easy. I hope that the family can find peace in that so many people cared about him, even if we didn't know him personally.

Well said and thank you, Jeff. And thanks to Dan, Andrew, Aspen SAR, and other parties as well for their significant contributions.

May Sean rest in peace and may his family find comfort on their trip today. The support the family's provided for each other is incredible.

With his mother's blessing and encouragement, I've posted the account of Sean's passing with hopes that others can know his story, prepare as well as he did, and perhaps gain a bit of respect for our hobby. Please save the debates for the other threads.

http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=12421

Climbed Snowmass last weekend.

Such a paradox that these mountains that provide beauty, awe, inspiration and joy...can also be so unforgiving.

Thought I did not know Sean, I do vividly recall the accident. I certainly took to heart his memory, and the memory of all of those lost on each particular mountain that I now climb. I believe his tragedy contributed to a more thoughtful and deliberate climbing experience for me on that mountain.

I am sad that my own additional thoughfulness came at such a high cost for someone who, by all indications, was an experienced, cautious and careful climber.

So, in a small way, Sean had (and still has) an impact on me even though I never knew him. Perhaps this is why such a strong bond exists among those who climb and love the mountains the way we do.

Well done, Jeff, in keeping his memory alive. While a sad reminder of our own mortality, reading this thread is a fitting tribute to someone who we, as climbers, can all relate to. Continued prayers to his family.

--jim

Well said Jeff and thanks for posting that Ryan. He has a wonderful and supportive family that will continue to recover from this.