Lost Hikers on Missouri

[Axeman]

Very sad--my condolences to the families.

It was not lightning. I checked the data from noon to midnight and the closest storm was in New Nexico. Wind was light 10-20G, temps in the 50s. A few clouds on the east side of the divide. It was probably a fall (although poisoning also comes to mind, given the story linked a few pages back).

[gsliva]

They could have become injured and they made there way slowly to this spot and then when the storms rolled in days later they got hit by lightning. Kind of a double whammy. Just speculation and we really shouldn't be guessing until the official word is released. Earlier there was a report that they sent out a Text Message saying they were descending in bad weather. When that was sent and the timing of the weather data would be important. The bottom line is another tragedy and this one to two very experienced, well prepared, and well stocked climbers.

[highpilgrim]

It was probably a fall (although poisoning also comes to mind,

I followed the thread but don't remember what poisoning you're talking about?

[Axeman]

I was just speculating about the poisoning--i agree i really shouldnt do that, but it just seems odd they both died, which would ordinarily indicate a rock slide or cornice giving way, but if that were the case im surprised we didnt hear that right away, since it would be evident on site. A sudden illness caused by toxic water (and there's all sorts of bugs and toxic minerals in that mine-heavy area) is a remote possibility.

On the other hand, i am completely convinced (no speculation!) that the report referenced earlier about them descending in bad weather was a mistaken post made by someone who didnt take care to pay attention to the story on the news. I am pretty sure they were referencing the Princeton fatality (in which they DID descend in lightning, and the survivor DID have a working cell) In this case, the two were below summit, not descending. I am pretty certain of that, given the facts so far.

[highpilgrim]

I was just speculating about the poisoning--i agree i really shouldnt do that, but it just seems odd they both died,

Man, that's pretty lame. There's enough bullshXt speculation on here without adding science fiction to it.

[hollamby]

I was just speculating about the poisoning--i agree i really shouldnt do that, but it just seems odd they both died,

Man, that's pretty lame. There's enough bullshXt speculation on here without adding science fiction to it.

+1
----

RIP

[fletchersteel]

Very sad ending to the search! My they rest in peace.

I understand that there is and will be speculation to this tragedy, but the simple truth is that climbing is dangerous sport, and involves risk. Sometimes the cards don't line up, and bad things happen. The best we can do as climbers, is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and try to limit the risks involved. Do we as a climbing community know when, date and time, they perished? I might have missed that information, but that could be an important piece of the puzzle.

[Axeman]

Good grief, that's why i rarely participate in this forum, because you get personally attacked no matter what your intentions are. Its only a small step above the anonymous comments on internet news pages.
I am sorry if i offended anyone by my remarks--I apologize.
When a senseless tragedy happens, you want answers--some times there are none.

[fletchersteel]

When a senseless tragedy happens, you want answers--some times there are none.

I agree. I wasn't attacking, but just curious as to the what, when, how, and why. I know that the weather in Buena this past week involved quite a few days of strong to severe thunderstorms. I hope that as a climbing community, we can learn from these tragedies, and lessen the risks by being better educated.

[highpilgrim]

Good grief, that's why i rarely participate in this forum, because you get personally attacked no matter what your intentions are

Telling you that farfetched and baseless speculation is lame is not a personal attack; it's a simple comment on the post. There are many that would like to learn about what happened but suggesting that poisoning is a viable option to consider is nonsense and you knew it yourself:

I was just speculating about the poisoning--i agree i really shouldnt do that

Rationalizing it afterwards doesn't work either:

A sudden illness caused by toxic water (and there's all sorts of bugs and toxic minerals in that mine-heavy area) is a remote possibility

People don't drink contaminated water and keel over and die. Missouri Basin is not Chernobyl.

This is a welcoming community but there are some things you might avoid doing and this IMO was one of them. You've already apologized and so my guess is that you probably agree. That's good enough for me.

Just my nickel's worth.

[gerrys]

This story hits home. I have a 20 year old daughter myself and treasure every minute she has shared with me in the mountains. RIP.

[mtnbikir]

RIP and many thoughts to the family. I've summited, climbed all around Missouri etc. and have camped up high there as well.. with my daughter. I'll have a special thought when I walk by there tomorrow. Going into the area at sunup.