Death on El Diente

Threads related to Colorado mountaineering accidents but please keep it civil and respectful. Friends and relatives of fallen climbers will be reading these posts.
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rking007
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by rking007 »

I am so sorry. Strength and provision on those you left behind.
- Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
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Mark A Steiner
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by Mark A Steiner »

Very sorry this happened - again.

For his wife, unborn child and other climbers and hikers - pray without ceasing. I Thess. 5:17.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content - Paul the Apostle.
Like it or not, I am a slow driver. Putt ... putt ... putt ...
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clochard0
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by clochard0 »

:( RIP John Merrill...thoughts and prayers going out to the family...
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wildlobo71
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by wildlobo71 »

This is one list that needs to stop; unfortunately as long as there's mountains, and hikers & climbers in those mountains, the list will always be ready for the next name.

John Merrill, may peace be with your family.
Bill W.

Time for the next great losing streak to begin.
#forcedrefocus
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cbauer10
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by cbauer10 »

Oh my god. This is just a terrible, heart wrenching story. Although all of them are. But to leave behind a pregnant wife and a husky is just terrible. I am just torn up by this one.

Having just done the south slopes a few weeks ago, I remember thinking it was a nice route. I have always heard how loose it was and whatnot, but thought it was pretty good. Accidents do happen, but to just be climbing and have rock come down on you is just terrifying. Damn. Another one!!!

RIP!!!
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mtndude3737
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by mtndude3737 »

Does anyone know the death count for 14ers this year?

I am sorry, but when are people going to stop treating the mountains like glorified treadmills with a view? Learn mountaineering skills! Be prepared for the worst! Learn to avoid terrain that is steep, loose, and dangerous! The mountains don't care whether we live or die, it is up to us!
What is there, beyond the mountain, if not the man? - Walter Bonatti

The simpler you make things, the richer the experience becomes. - Steve House
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lackerstef
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by lackerstef »

Rest in peace.
Yalegirl09
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by Yalegirl09 »

This is such a heartbreaking story! :cry: RIP John.
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wildlobo71
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by wildlobo71 »

mtndude3737 wrote:Does anyone know the death count for 14ers this year?

I am sorry, but when are people going to stop treating the mountains like glorified treadmills with a view? Learn mountaineering skills! Be prepared for the worst! Learn to avoid terrain that is steep, loose, and dangerous! The mountains don't care whether we live or die, it is up to us!
On 14ers, this is the 10th fatality this summer season (since Kevin Hayne died on Little Bear in June). There have been several others on smaller peaks and rock climbing. And lets definitely not forget the victims of other accidents; not only those directly involved in the accident, but the fellow climbers and hikers who witness so much and are left with an element of helplessness while waiting for assistance to arrive.
Bill W.

Time for the next great losing streak to begin.
#forcedrefocus
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mtndude3737
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by mtndude3737 »

Thanks for the count, as unfortunate the number may be. I feel sorry for those that have accidents whether prepared or not. We helped in a mountain rescue on Tabeguache of a man that got lost descending into McCoy Gulch, no map, no GPS or compass, no headlamp, and was stuck on the mountain overnight in sub freezing temps. I am just hoping that everyone that wishes to enjoy the mountains like I do will prepare better and get this number down!
What is there, beyond the mountain, if not the man? - Walter Bonatti

The simpler you make things, the richer the experience becomes. - Steve House
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shadez
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by shadez »

RIP John Merrill.. My thoughts and Prayers go out to his Wife, his unborn child, his Family and Friends

Climb safe
"Dream as if you'll live forever - Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
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MountainHiker
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Re: Death on El Diente

Post by MountainHiker »

My sincere condolences to John Merrill’s family and friends.
Red, Rugged, and Rotten: The Elk Range - Borneman & Lampert
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