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Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 3:49 pm
by MoapaPk
Maybe I missed this discussion here, but if so, to repeat:
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/injuri ... /106971160

There was a fatality on a climbing route in RR during the holidays. In a separate incident, a hiker fell and injured his feet; the two accidents got confused in the newsfeeds for a bit.

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 8:39 pm
by Hyadventure
My condolences to Heather Gray's friends and family: RIP.

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 11:33 pm
by Joe White
Hate to hear this. May God be near her family in this season of grief.

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:03 am
by Peak Freak
Really sad, really shocking news :-(. Our mutual friends started posting the news on facebook on Friday. I haven't really known what to say. I know that they are mourning the loss of a dear friend who was so vibrant and full of life, and that she will continue to live on in everyone's memories.

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 1:25 am
by MoapaPk

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 8:39 pm
by Dow Williams
Interesting that they used my words in the article, but did not chose the relevant words no doubt regarding the issue at hand....."The 4th pitch is the only 5.9 pitch and deserves a solid R in my opinion for lack of adequate protection to avoid decking on the ledge on top of the pinnacle that balances the block. The only lead bolt that exists on the entire route really does not protect any crux move."

Re: Fatality in Red Rocks (NV)

PostPosted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:34 pm
by MoapaPk
Dow Williams wrote:Interesting that they used my words in the article, but did not chose the relevant words no doubt regarding the issue at hand....."The 4th pitch is the only 5.9 pitch and deserves a solid R in my opinion for lack of adequate protection to avoid decking on the ledge on top of the pinnacle that balances the block. The only lead bolt that exists on the entire route really does not protect any crux move."


I saw your caveat (trenchant in a good way). I'm guessing they wanted to limit the number of "she should have known" rants, and decided not to print that part. At least they provided a link to your SP article, but they should have been better with attribution.

Not being a climber, I don't know what the rock was like that broke. But RR is full of chickenheads on the scrambling routes (I'm thinking of the varnished sandstone that weathers between cracks, exposing an unvarnished neck).