serious accident in Eldo this evening

Sadly, after meeting with the wonderful Drs and other caregivers, I need to tell you that Preston is not going to pull through this. We are not sure about the exact timing, but if you are a friend of his, I would advise you to visit the hospital if you wish and tell him whatever you need to. I will keep everyone posted as to when he passes and what type of memorial. We are obviously in a state of shock and pain, but are surrounded by love and prayers. Cheryl and his children

That is a really bummer. My prayers go out to Preston, his family and friends. Life can be so fleeting and fragile. It could have happened to any one of us.

Cheryl I am so very sorry to hear this ~ I am still hoping he will pull through. I'm lighting a candle for him right now ~

nice ideas Shawn imo

I know that words are small things.....But Preston and his familey have been in our thoughts and prayers from the moment we learned of this terrible accident. We will continue to pray and hope for the best even tho prognosis is not good. My familey and I have been climbing for generations and I can't imagine how this must be, even tho we know it could happen to any of us.

God Bless,
Robert

Cheryl,
We don't know you or your husband but nonetheless we are deeply saddened by your husband's accident. I pray that God will give you and your children the strength to get through this.

Love,
Nicole

To Cheryl, Willie, Noah, Talia, and all family and friends of Preston:

I continue to keep the candle lit for a miracle as well, but know that you have my deepest sympathies and prayers for healing and love as you move through this time.

Peace Love and Light.

Danielle

Is there any plans to set up a fund for his family. Please post info on this as we could all spare something I'm sure

Dear Cheryl,
We are praying for Preston, you, your family and your friends. Sincerely,
Tom Crowley
(friend through Shaint and Salbo)

To All Who Have Sent Their Kind Wishes and Expressions of Sympathy,

My name is Jeremy Gruber. Cheryl Claman-Brennan is my aunt and Preston is my uncle. I know this has already been conveyed, but I just felt the need to let you all know how much your kindness and caring means to our entire family. While things look grim right now, your reaching-out in the past few days has really helped to keep Cheryl, Willy, Noah, and Talia (and the rest of us) strong, and it has also reinforced for all of us how loved and respected Preston was.

I completely concur with the post suggesting that anyone willing help Cheryl and the kids without "asking." As you all realize, Cheryl really has her hands full right now. If you are a friend of the family, I do encourage you to help in any way you can: bringing food, helping out with the kids, and helping Cheryl with arrangements for the next few weeks would all be truly appreciated expressions of support. To those of you who have already done these things or helped in any other way, please know that you are truly loved and appreciated.

I also wanted to let you know that Cheryl and the kids are doing well considering the circumstances. They love their Dad and will miss him dearly, but please know that the kids are in good hands, and please also know that Cheryl has a strong support system (which includes all of you) that will help her to get through this traumatic experience.

In regards to a fund for the family, I am unsure at this time of any plans to set up such a fund. I will be certain to keep you posted if I hear anything on that front.

Thanks again for all of your support and love in this time of great tragedy for our family. I am not a climber, but I can tell that the climbing community is a truly tight-knit group that takes care of its own. Thanks again for your past and future support.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Gruber

Jeremy thanks for taking your time here to post

This is a really tough outcome. I'm reminded (again) that each person who doesn't make it home is somebody's baby, lover, sibling, parent or friend, and that their loss can be really hard on those who are left behind. It reminds me too of how my family likely views my adventures. We are what we are.

Kudos to those who were brave and cared enough to respond on the scene, likewise to everyone who has reached out to Preston's family here, and my most heartfelt condolences to Preston's family.

Jeremy,

Thank you for taking the time to post. I am sure it is terribly hard on Cheryl to write and keep everyone posted. I have heard from a friend that a wedsite might be made for Preston, if you know anything about this could you keep people on this forum posted?

Again Cheryl know that you, Preston and all your family and dear friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

Strength and Love,
Dave, Marcy, Hayden and Holden

Cheryl,
My deepest condolences. Please keep this in mind beyond the terrible time you are in. Should you ever need free help with your home's plumbing I will gladly help, just post me via MP. I am so sorry.

Marcy,
Either I or someone else in the family will be sure to keep everyone in the forum posted about any new developments.

Jeremy

Cheryl and family,
We just heard the news this evening, and we could not be more saddened. We are praying for all of you, please let us know what we can do to help your family get through this horrible time.
Preston has an incredible spirit, he will be in our thoughts and prayers.
All of our thoughts and prayers,
Ryan and Melissa Groelz

Mike Lane wrote:Cheryl, My deepest condolences. Please keep this in mind beyond the terrible time you are in. Should you ever need free help with your home's plumbing I will gladly help, just post me via MP. I am so sorry.

To Preston and Family: I do not know Preston, but at this moment time has stopped for me here in Oklahoma. No daily chores, work, or even climbing is important. My thoughts and prayers for you will remain a constant focus.

To Micah and Rachelle, I am humbled by your bravery and courage

To Cheryl, Preston's children, mom, family and so many, many friends...

I am numb with grief regarding Preston's accident and prognosis. I came to know Preston when he became a great and cherished friend of my brother, Tom...or Shaint, as all his dear friends know him by...so many years ago. He has always been a true favorite human being of mine and my family's for as long as we have known him. He always had that big smile of his going, and I can hear his infectious laugh to this day. He was so happy and positive, making you feel uplifted and happy just in talking with him. I last saw him at the memorial for Sal, and the warm and loving spirit that he has always embodied, and in true form especially conveyed at that difficult time, made me feel encouraged about life and learning how to surmount the terrible trials it can throw at you. That his time here has been cut so tragically short as well breaks my heart. Your family has all of our love and support through this time and always.

Preston...I have never known anyone in my life like you, and I doubt I ever will. I will cherish always my memories of you...you and Tom in your ponytail stage, looking like Hell's Angels on the Andy Hardy campus of Carroll, but still the same goofy boys I always knew and loved...meals with my Grandma, you could never believe what a feast it was!...making me feel so special by being the incredibly sweet guy you've always been. No one has stayed truer to themself than you. Your tremendous spirit will live on in all the many lives you've touched...and I, for one, will honor it for the rest of mine. I love you so much....Grandma Irene has another feast waiting for you.

Love, Claud

To the entire Brennan family,

My heart reaches out to you during this most difficult turn of events. Having known and worked with Preston very closely for many years, I know of Preston's spirit and strength; his dignity and compassion will always be with me. I spoke with him this past Friday and he was so clear in his excitement of the life ahead of him. Although we only spoke by telephone, I smiled knowing he was in a good place. Whatever comfort it may bring to you, please know that Preston was doing what he loved to do......what he was passionate about.......and he was living his life just the way he felt he should.

We have had many long talks throughout the years, and I know from those talks that his family was his treasure. I feel honored and blessed to be part of his family. Please let me know if I can be of any help today, tomorrow, or any day in the future. You have my love and support.

Mark Yanowitz

this is sharon preston, preston's cousin. I just found out about the accident yesterday and i am deeply shocked and beside myself. Preston and my two brothers tim and dave just reunited with him two weeks ago after a long time of no contact and it was like no time had passed at all...what a great guy and my prayers [and all of my extended family] are with him.He has to get better because we have way too much to catch up on!