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UBC Varsity Outdoor Club

 

With great sadness, the VOC mourns the tragic deaths of Stephanie Grothe, Neil Mackenzie and Elena Cernicka. They perished on an ascent of Joffre's Central Couloir in a slip-and-fall accident on Sunday, January 11th 2015.

 

Stephanie and Neil were very active members of the VOC. Elena was a friend of Neil's, but not a member of the VOC. Their trip was privately organized among the three and two other friends, and not an official VOC trip.

 

Many of us VOCers have known Steph for several years, and we all loved her excitement and infectious joy when it came to the mountains and the outdoors. I know that she felt passionately about the VOC and loved this club. We owe her a great deal. She was VOC secretary in 2012/2013, president in 2013/2014 and Public Relations Officer in 2014/2015. Her love for the mountains was a constant inspiration to us. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

 

Neil was equally passionate about the mountains. He was an immensely cheerful person, always looking for the next adventure and always good for sharing a drink and a good conversation with. He found adventure anywhere and brought humour with him everywhere he went. Any trip with him was guaranteed to be fun. To us, he was the epitome of the proverbial Scottish hardman. He dedicated a lot of his time to instructional trips with the club, always providing encouraging words to struggling participants. We all will miss him a lot.

 

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and all their friends.

 

 

Posted

This is really tragic news. Condolences to the friends and families of all involved...

 

Last year two friends nearly died in a similar accident on fitz Roy's supercanaleta. Roped together, one fell and both tumbled to the base. It is miracle they survived.

 

In such cases the rope only provides an illusion of safety.

 

Keep safe out there.

Posted

In such cases the rope only provides an illusion of safety.

 

Condolences to the families.

I might add, that what most guides will do is short rope. The rope should short enough, that in case someone slips, they can be stopped before generating momentum. The most experienced team member should be always as the highest member of the team (lead on the ascent and last on the descent).

Other good option is just doing running belays.

 

BTW Marc- congratulations for stellar ascents earlier this winter.

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