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

What makes these forums work is that people are allowed to say what they feel and what's on their mind. I appreciate all of the posts and points of view here and hope for the best outcome for the injured.

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 sure is hard to hear about these injuries but the update is much appreciated. i just want to say my thoughts are with mike and especially his family, who are definitely facing some really tough decisions. there are a lot of people pulling for you mike. much love, cjc

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!

Me and everyone @ The Piper Companies in Arvada are sending our thoughts & prayers. One of my technicians told me this morning he was working @ St. Anthony's when Mike came rolling down the hall... Everyone at the company knows I climb Eldo frequently, so when things like this happen, I get a lot of people asking me questions... Keep strong and hang in there buddy, you have a lot of people caring and looking out for you...

Urgent information needed:
If you were a first responder, were first on the scene or saw Mike Hankins fall and impact 7/22/08 PLEASE CONTACT ME. This information is vital to the neurosurgeons. Mike is currently in a Level 1 coma and has been unresponsive to pain stimulus. Reports on this forum that Mike was conscious just after impact need to be confirmed and are of vast importance to his doctors.

All the love and thoughts that each of you have shared on this forum are being read to Mike and his family. They mean so much to all of us. Thank you.

Lori and Tony Mayse

Best wishes and thoughts for Mike, his family and freinds. This has been a rough year.

We are praying for you Mike, we are expecting good reports on your recovery as the days go by.
God Bless

I spoke with Randy yesterday and this is what I got from him.

This morning Mike was due to go into surgery to clean out the wounds around his face. As I was to understand later in the day he is to go back in for the same cleaning for his legs and arm in an effort to stave off infection.

His vitals are stabilizing with blood pressure perfect.

His pelvis was broken in three places and his right ankle, as viewed in the CAT scan showed that it's pretty much mush.

Also, his lungs have healed and have re-inflated.

I know that Tony, Mike's friend from OKlahoma is in Denver and perhaps he can give a better description of Mikes current state.

That's what I know today.

Thanks for the update Gary - that all sounds like it's good news.

Keeping the positive vibe flowing!

We appreciate all the updates on Mike's condition. Working with Mike for several years, we have all come to appreciate his professionalism and eagerness to help us in all situations. Mike is an extraordinary individual with many talents. I consider it a pleasure and privilege to be Mike's friend. Please let Mike and his family know we are praying for his recovery from this unfortunate accident. We have all included him on our prayer lists at our churches and several people are praying for his recovery. Please let Mike know how much we love him and miss him and look forward for his recovery. May God bless each of you at his bedside and give you strength and encouragement. We love you Mike...God Bless You!