Climber injured/decks in Eldorado Canyon this morning

Herndon, thanks for the kind words for Mike. I'm heading to Co. in the morning. Randy and I spoke earlier this evening, he said Mike has lots of serious injuries and as of now it's touch and go. However, Randy did say that his BP was better and that brain swelling had gone down. I will try and give an update after I visit the hospital in Denver tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you for thinking and praying for Mike, he would without a second thought do the same for each and everyone of you.

Tony

I can't believe this has happened again. This is so unfortuante and sad. My heart and thoughts are with this man and his family. I'll be praying for him with all I've got, to pull through.

Tony,
If you need my help are more support please give me a call.
We will keep Mike in out prayer.
Marcus gacia

As Preston Brennans wife of 18 years, i have to agree with the comment about negativiy or assumptions. the fact is two men have fallen, my beloved Preston and now Mike. I do believe people are just trying to make some sense of these freak accidents, but remember the families and friends are in mourning and will be for a long time. Send thoughts of love and positive energy. There was a full rainbow today, my daughter talia and I looked up and believed it was Preston showing us the beauty of life and nature. Don't post assumptions or anything that upsets the family. It is heartless and useless. Once again, thank you for your prayers for our Family. Cheryl Brennan

This is rough news indeed. I want to reflect some of the encouragement Mike has offered me and my buddies in the past few years. A few words, from such an enduring and no-bullshit dude, go a long way. Keep after it, Mike; if anybody can work through this crux, I know you can. See you out there.

I'm sure there are a lot of people pulling for Mike. Even those of us that have never met him.

Dealing with the effects of a climbing fall is much, MUCH more difficult than any climb you will ever attempt. Just know that somehow you persevere and while at times it seems impossible...you find that strength deep inside somehow. Even in the darkest of times there is always hope buried somewhere - you just have to keep looking. No matter what happens...never give up on Mike.

Please tell the family that Bill Clugston (II) from work and Bill Clugston (I) from Francis Tuttle are praying for Mike and hope he pulls through

Paul, my intent was not to generate negativity; rather, partially in hopes that maybe just one person connects the dots about the specific dangers of soloing (and climbing in general) and chooses to think twice about what they're doing out there... that a life could be saved.

My injuries were far less severe than Mike's, but they'll haunt me for the rest of my life and in more ways than just my climbing. It is true that the unpredictable can happen to even the most in control and experienced climber, but I'm neither of those and have no problems with people calling my choice to solo foolish. I don't think anyone deserves a tragedy like this, but I will forever remain critical of the choice to take those kinds of risks.

Being there when Mike fell and while he was fighting for his life at the base of Werk Supp was horrible and intense. Believe me, this is an awful, terrible thing and I want and pray for Mike to pull through it. I know firsthand how everyone's support in a situation like this makes an incredible difference -- more than most even realize. Mike, I only wish you the best, most positive energy I can send out. Like someone else posted, climbers are a tough breed and if anyone can pull through this you can.

News like this is such a shock. I want Mike and his family to know that we (his co-workers in Washington) have him in our thoughts and prayers.

This is probably the toughest pitch he'll ever do.

Hi this is very sad news. I have the up most repsect for Mike. I met him at the Spring gathering a few months back. I am an outdoors journalist for The Oklahoman, the state paper in OKC and am trying to get solid information regarding Mike statues and also get quotes from his friends if anyone can please assist me I would appreciate it. I am also a fellow climber so the article would not have any negative tones. Please email me jmfarris@opubco.com

Jacquelyn Farris

Here is an updated article in the Boulder Daily Camera.

I spoke with Randy this afternoon, Mikes older brother.

Things are looking pretty tough for Mike right now. He has been in coma since soon after the fall when Todd got a response from Mike when he asked Mike his name and Mike responded, (I'm trying to keep the information as current and true as I can. And with that said I guess I misunderstood Todd as Mike was NOT responsive after the fall, i apologize for that confusion.)

His pelvis was shattered pretty bad, actually really bad. Randy said that Mike may loose a foot and his face is, I struggle to use the best descriptor so I'll use the one Randy used, hamburger. The skin needs to be dealt with soon as is not getting appropriate blood flow and this would mean plastic surgery. But the greatest concern is around the issue of oxygen. Mike was taking in very little air until he arrived at the hospital, although it was better once he got into the ambulances, it was still profoundly low. So the issue that is up right now is what damage did Mike incur between the fall and the hospital?

At some point it may end up being a question of quality of life if he survives this and again this is the question coming from the medical staff not my speculations.

So, Randy and the family are wrestling with all of what is ahead for Mike in the moment and what's ahead long term and tough for all.

We need to keep those prayers strong and to continue to keep these posts positive as friends of Mike's back home and family are checking here. Today Randy expressed warm gratitude from everyone here on Mountain Project and others for the outpouring of support, it does give strength in those challenging times around the hospital.

Thanks all.

Thank you for the update, Gary.

I think it's fair to say that we all are very hopeful for Mike's recovery. It is a battle right now, but it is not over until it's over. Ask his brother to hold Mike's hand and tell him that there are a lot of people out here rooting for him.

It's so sad to come back to Boulder and hear about this tragic accident. My thoughts are with you Mike. Pull through this one for us.
Mal

My thoughts are with all those, particularly the families, who have been touched by these terrible events. We all know what we do - every time that we go out there and do it - is dangerous and yet we love to do it all the same (more?). It pains me that members of what I consider to be my community have been struck by tragedy and I am sending love and light to their families.

Hope and love to Mike and his family/friends.

Still sending +++ vibes.

The climbing community is with you and yours Mike. My +++ thoughts and well wishes are as well.

Best Wishes to Mike and his friends & family. Stay STRONG...!!!!

Kirra

Good Luck & a speedy recovery, Mike. Sending positive karma. All this bad news is making me think mountain biking is safer than climbing (my injuries don't support that position, however.) Anyway, stay strong and keep fighting!