johnny Posted September 10, 2002 Share Posted September 10, 2002 On Saturday a 20 year old climber took his last whipper in the Linville Gorge area. According to Winston Salem Journal (RAG!!) he fell while attempting to clip his fifth "pin" after having placed it. The "pin" below him then failed sending him on a long ride. The paper fails to defing "pin", only saying that they were "placed" which leads one to believe they were nailing. Problem is there are very few if any aid lines where he fell and it would be hard to fall 150 (which is reported) feet if your lower 3 pieces of pro held. The article said they were "experienced" climbers but we all know what that could mean!? Just thought you guys should know. I'll post actual details when I learn them. In the meantime, send some positive energy this way and be careful out there this autumn OK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted September 10, 2002 Author Share Posted September 10, 2002 My apologies for the thumbs up icon. There really isn't anything positive about this. I still have the old blue Edilrid helmet that my fathers longtime partner, Walt, died in when he fell on the South side of the Tooth in '76. The styrofoam on one side is completely compressed. Makes you think doesn't it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted September 10, 2002 Author Share Posted September 10, 2002 There is some info on the SECC website http://server502.hypermart.net/seclimbers/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=3d7e1c8cd42bffff;act=ST;f=1;t=362 It sheds some light on this tragedy. Seems it was a moderate trad line called Bumblebee Buttress on the North Carolina Wall in Linville Gorge. He blew the clip on a piece, fell, the piece below blew out and he hit a ledge. The route is "only" 5.8 and he had apparently been climbing for several years. I've been on this route and it is airy, but quite doable. Peace to all. Be careful out there you guys!!!!!! If the above link won't work, just search the Southeastern Climbers Coalition website and look at the BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted September 10, 2002 Author Share Posted September 10, 2002 Just a thought.....You guys seem to have lots to say about horsecock and snafflehound ball licking but little to say about a 20 y/o young man who lost his life while doing what we all profess to love. This guy could havew been any one of you who ties in and runs it out; except you are blessed with a story to tell later. What the F$*&??????? P.S. He wasn't clipping no bolts either..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted September 10, 2002 Share Posted September 10, 2002 Johnny shut up Just because we dont chime in with regret doesn't mean we have to hear your bullshit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted September 10, 2002 Share Posted September 10, 2002 you have a one track mind johnny . eastern stuff is people die every day why should this one be special are you happy now using someones death to incite a thread is lame anyways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted September 10, 2002 Share Posted September 10, 2002 ball lick this johnny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts