Dean Potter and Graham Hunt die BASE jumping
|
My girlfriend and I passed the three of them and the dog on the trail out to Taft Point late yesterday. We were on our way back to the car. The two guys were wearing base rigs so we knew what they were up to, and I figured they wouldn't want to to be held up, so we just exchanged hellos as they passed. Dim drizzly evening in Yosemite, and Taft point was empty when we left. I heard the helicopter today, and the thought crossed my mind that maybe something happened, but I didn't hear until I got back to Oakhurst. Weird feelings. |
|
Such a paradox with people like this who engage in such dangerous activities risking death, they probably have a greater love of living than the average person. |
|
Let's not forget 2 people died. Graham was an amazing person. He was the best at whatever he decided to do. I will never forget and I will always be jealous of Graham skydiving out of our Helicopter in Chester. RIP Graham, it's a sad day. |
|
Condolences to the loved ones of both men. |
|
I want to thank Dean for finding so much beauty in the world and bring joy and inspiration to so many, I never actually met you but tonight I feel like I have lost a friend. |
|
+1 Cornelius. So sad to hear news of the two men's death. Dean was a true lover of the outdoors and I found him to be one of the sports most admirable climbers, he was in it for himself and considered it a religious experience. Truly admirable. Never met the man and sadly never will.my condolences to both mens familys and their friends during this time of loss. |
|
I have struggled with my opinion on Dean ever since the Delicate Arch ascent. Regardless of his controversies with that, and with Whisper, there's no denying that this guy was on a whole different plane when it comes to bringing creative new outlets to experiencing nature |
|
Tremendous loss to the community. |
|
These two men died a warrior's death... |
|
He died loving what he did. That is more than most people can say at any point in their life. On the other hand, it's not surprising nor sad when The risk finally catches up. That is called statistics, and it's why we don't all fly in wing suits. Trust me I want to, I just don't want to die |
|
Sir chuffs alot wrote:He died loving what he did. That is more than most people can say at any point in their life. On the other hand, it's not surprising nor sad when The risk finally catches up. That is called statistics, and it's why we don't all fly in wing suits. Trust me I want to, I just don't want to diehttp://kimkircher.com/2011/03/09/is-it-okay-to-die-doing-what-you-love/ |
|
Wow that's crazy. Potter was an animal. That video of him getting stuck on a move free soloing on the Eiger in the fog with his base rig on is freaky. RIP |
|
FrankPS wrote: According to the "Outside" article (link provided upthread), Whisper was not with him and lives on.You're absolutely right, Frank. I edited my post and stand corrected. Silver lining... |
|
Sad loss. |
|
Condolences to family, friends and the entire community. |
|
What a loss... I heard about it early yesterday and immediately went down with one of the worst migraines i've had in a year for the next 18 hours. Now that i'm up and running again, catching up on all the articles and speaking to my friends in Yosemite, I'm struck by the fact that while 2 great people have passed, only 1 of them is being celebrated. I would also like to know more about Graham... the articles celebrate Dean (who i knew, we shared a birthday and our home state as well as climbing and lining so i'm definitely feeling it) but they barely mention Graham. Just his name and that's it. I saw some that didn't even mention his name. I'd love it if some of the folks who knew Graham would post up some stories and tributes for him, and for all of us who didn't know him but want to celebrate his life. |
|
^^^^^^^^^^ |
|
Possible explanation of what happened according to the LA Times. It says that they "were attempting to clear a "notch" on the mountain but slammed into the rock instead." Don't want to speculate too much yet. |
|
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
|
|
Morgan Patterson wrote: Condolences to family and friends, and RIP to the two men. ... It appears as though they were trying not only to do a BASE jump but a stunt jump and miscalculated.Also, possible that unexpected localized weather/air-flow disturbance pushed them into terrain. thanks for the map. looks like a wild jump. |