chris_rieman Posted February 24, 2002 Posted February 24, 2002 Earlier today there was a 27 year old male who took a fifty foot fall at the Feathers. All I know since I was not working today is that he was in critical condition and was going to be flown by helicopter possibly to Harborview in Seattle. May our thoughts be with him. Climb safely. Quote
wayne Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 A couple clear lessons from this horrendous accident is WEAR YOUR HELMUT, Always check your knot ,And I personally dont the like the bowline(double or single) for any tie in. My thoughts are with this guy , His family, and his great set of friends.w Quote
allison Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Wayne, can you elaborate? I can't tell from Chris's post that the guy was unhelmeted, or that his bowline somehow snagged and came undone. Is this the case? Is there news coverage of the accident somewhere? Quote
chris_rieman Posted February 25, 2002 Author Posted February 25, 2002 I don't have a lot of details, I will find out tomorrow when I go back to work what happened. At this point I do know that his condition is serious but stable. I have spoke to the people at the hospital where he was taken. [ 02-24-2002: Message edited by: chris rieman ] Quote
jon Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 I'm going to make this really quick because it's been a pretty long and stressful day, and just got home from the hospital. The climber involved in the accident is my good friend and roommate. Jim is an experienced climber as many who know him can attest. It's not entirely clear what happened but he was either not properly tied in or his knot came undone somehow. He took about a 40 - 50 foot groundfall and rolled halfway down the hill at feathers. He wasn't wearing a helmet. He's currently in a coma in critical but stable condition with his family at his side. Besides the severe head injury he broke his collor bone. It's basically just wait and see at this point. Thanks to those who were there and aided in getting him out of there safely. Family and friends would appreciate that people don't call the hospital or go and try to visit him. Any individuals who were there at the accident or are friends send me an email and I will keep you up to date on his conditions as I find out. Quote
jblakley Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Just got back from visiting with Jim and his family at the Wenatchee hospital. We got to go in and see him and even though he was unconscious I'd like to think he knew we were there. He's a strong young lad and I have a feeling he will be waking up soon. Special thanks to Jon, Chris and Chad who acted swiftly in getting a helicopter out there quick even though the authorities didn't want to send one right away. Good job guys. Send all your good energy his way all my CC buds. Quote
Yungaburra Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Thank you both for keeping us up to date on Jim's condition. I know both myself and my partner's prayers are with all of you! You did an great job Chad. Quote
Doug Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Thanks to everyone who helped out and continue to help with Jim. He's one hell of a good guy! Quote
jules Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 I climbed the Emmons route on Rainier with Jim several years ago. That was a damn fun climb!Will send my hope, good thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery. Quote
erik Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 never ever ever like to hear about this stuff..... and i really do hope that jim has a speedy and full recovery... but for me it is always a time to revaluate(i am not speculating baout others or their actions) myself and the simple things that might be overlooked with climbing that sometimes seems so redundent and second nature.... check your knot and harness and your partners...ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote
Dru Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 quote: Originally posted by erik: never ever ever like to hear about this stuff.....and i really do hope that jim has a speedy and full recovery... but for me it is always a time to revaluate(i am not speculating baout others or their actions) myself and the simple things that might be overlooked with climbing that sometimes seems so redundent and second nature.... check your knot and harness and your partners...ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! and wear a helmet at vantage...loosest place this side of the Rockies. Quote
jblakley Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Heard from Jim's mom about an hour ago. He is stable and his condition is unchanged. No worse..no better. Erik and Dru..point well taken. Jim has always been one of the more detail oriented dudes I have climbed with. Underlines the fact that any of us regardless of intent or experience is capable of making mistakes at any time and to never take climbing safety for granted. Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes. Quote
MysticNacho Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 Sure hope he'll be ok. Our prayers will definitely be with him. Kudos to Chad and company for taking charge of the situation and making sure that everything that could have been done actually was done. Quote
fleblebleb Posted February 25, 2002 Posted February 25, 2002 This was a way scary scene. Get better Jim. Quote
gapertimmy Posted February 26, 2002 Posted February 26, 2002 although posting something to the board can in now we express my shock and concern for jim and his family, i just hope he gets better. he is a great guy, and a good friend to all who know him. I'm thinking about you and praying for you. tim Quote
jblakley Posted February 26, 2002 Posted February 26, 2002 Talked to Jim's mom this morning. His condition is essentially unchanged. Still in a coma. On the plus side he is breathing on his own and cat scans have shown that he has 100% brain function. From what I gather the main questions are when he will wake up and when he does if there will be any lingering damage. Quote
Lambone Posted February 26, 2002 Posted February 26, 2002 100% is good right! Thanks for the update Jim, please let us know when he wakes up. I'm beaming him my get well energy, hope everyone else is too! Quote
CascadeClimber Posted February 26, 2002 Posted February 26, 2002 My thoughts and energy go out to Jim and all those affected by this incident. I sincerely hope that he wakes up and is back to climbing soon. It is all speculation until we hear something more about the cause, but this certainly reinforced a ritual that Jens and I go through: When possible, we visually inspect each other's knot and harness before every pitch. Even if it is the second pitch of a multipitch route or the gym. "Lemme see your knot.""Okay, my knot looks good, my biner is locked, my harness is doubled back.""Right. Strap on the nitro." We've had people look at us funny for doing it, but I'd rather endure funny looks than a ground fall. Let's all climb safe out there CCers. And send some energy Jim's way. Quote
Retrosaurus Posted February 27, 2002 Posted February 27, 2002 quote: Originally posted by CascadeClimber: a ritual that Jens and I go through: "Lemme see your knot.""Okay, my knot looks good, my biner is locked, my harness is doubled back.""Right. Strap on the dildo."We've had people look at us funny for doing it. My, you two are close. Quote
Ralph_the_Cat Posted February 27, 2002 Posted February 27, 2002 I would just like to thank all the climbers who were at Feathers during Jim's accident. Everyone got off the wall and came to help, when there was nothing to do people got out of the way. It is nice to know that when things go wrong we can count on other climbers. I have a broken leg and couldn't get to my good friend and roommate but it made me feel a little better when I saw how well everyone handled themselves. Thanks,Chris Quote
Ralph_the_Cat Posted February 27, 2002 Posted February 27, 2002 Just a quick update on Jim, he is still unconscience. He is now breathing on his own, responding to the pain, and has opened his eyes on several occasions. Quote
charlie_don't_surf Posted February 28, 2002 Posted February 28, 2002 UPDATE: Jim is now responding to verbal questions from doctors by nodding his head and when asked to hold up two fingers will do so. They are not yet allowing visitors but the news is the best thing I've heard in a while. Continue all your thoughts and support. We will update you with more info as we get it. Quote
gapertimmy Posted February 28, 2002 Posted February 28, 2002 thanks for the updates woods. take caretim Quote
Lambone Posted February 28, 2002 Posted February 28, 2002 That totaly kicks ass! What a trooper Keep on keepin on Jim! Quote
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