RIP Steve Johnson

I am sorry to report Steve Johnson has died.

He put up routes in S. Arizona on Lemmon, in the Stronghold and was putting up one in the Santa Ritas when he died.

Bees.

Deep condolences to his family. I am so sorry. Steve will be missed. His routes will remain to remind us.

Many kudos to the people who tried to help—Eric R; Scott A; Tanya; Hendrixson. Your strength and fortitude are greatly appreciated and admired. Our small S. Arizona climbing community owes them a debt of gratitude.

Scott Mc

I am so sorry to hear this. Truly a shame.

It is sad. A good man that will be missed. My condolences and prayers go to his family.

We are deeply saddened by this news.

Steve was a great person, a simple man with honest values. He was a dedicated family man.
He was passionate for climbing and helping others.
We could all inspire to be like Steve. He will be missed.

Our thoughts are for his family. Be strong, the climbing community is here for you.
Let us know how we can help. I have many pictures of Steve that I would like to share.

Many thanks to those who helped with the recovery, you certainly have my gratitude.

With Love,

Brian and Emma Benedon

I didn't know Steve but I feel the loss as a climber, a Tucsonan, and a human.

Peace to his family and friends.

This is very sad news. Steve was a super nice man the few times I met him.

I was so impressed to hear of the great effort that was made to quickly locate and help Steve. The four of you did a wonderful job.

I only met Steve last summer - a few times up on Mt. Lemmon. He certainly made an impression with his enthusiasm, good cheer and friendly manner. He was one of those climbers who seemed to like it all; the hike, the scramble, the climb and the fellowship of climbers.

My condolences to his family and friends and the Tucson climbing community.

Sad, sad news. Condolences to his family & friends.

My condolences to Steve's family. Here is a photo from a month or so ago of Steve and his dog patiently showing my 2 year old how to belay. Sweet man indeed.

Scott M. McNamara wrote: Bees.

Here is the article from the May 8, 2013 Arizona Daily Star:

Rock climber with hundreds of bee stings is found dead

A Tucson man was found dead Monday evening hanging in his rappelling gear from a cliff on Mount Hopkins south of Tucson.

He had been attacked by bees and suffered hundreds of stings, but investigators don't know if that caused his death.

Steven Wallace Johnson, 55, was an experienced hiker and climber who went to rappel on Friday, said Lt. Raoul Rodriguez of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department.

One preliminary theory is that Johnson disturbed the bees while hammering his spike into the cliff, Rodriguez said.

Johnson's dog, which also was attacked by bees, was found dead on top of the ridge where Johnson was rappelling, Rodriguez said.

When Johnson did not show up to work Monday, co-workers reported him missing to Tucson police. Authorities were told that he planned to hike in the Santa Ritas and at other sites in Santa Cruz County.

Deputies of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department and its search and rescue unit found his body.

The Pima County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause of death.

I met Steve two and a half years ago after I had just moved from the midwest and hadn't met anyone yet. I had very little climbing experience (no multipitch, no trad) and the little I did was over 10 years prior. I was getting in my car at Windy Point and saw a guy that looked pretty experienced putting gear in his car, so I did what any noob does and asked if he was a climber. Of course he said yes and shared his number with a stranger that obviously had little experience. After that, I became good friends with Steve. Twice a week I got a one word text from him at about 5:30 consisting of 'Gym' that translated into 'don't be a pansy and come pull down!'. I also had the pleasure of climbing with him outside in the Catalina's and Stronghold regularly. That was the way Steve was... He loved introducing people to the sport he loved dearly, whether it be by taking a complete beginner climbing or bolting moderate routes such that all could enjoy. He was a truly selfless person in all regards.

Steve was a true climbing mentor to myself and many others in the Tucson community. He was also a wonderful person and helped me through the toughest time in my life and he never judged.. Another special thing about Steve was that he never waited to tell people that they were important in his life. He was a terrific father and grandfather. I can only hope that I make an impact in others life as Steve did. He will be missed dearly.

Thank you all for your condolences and well wishes. Please attempt to contact me(520-975-8870) before reaching out to Ryan and I will pass information on to Ryan and My sister. When we are ready we will reach out to the community that has already done so much for us.

Sincerely,
Spc
Kyle Johnson
2-5 INF, U.S. Army

Kyle,

Please give Ryan and Devin a hug for me.

I've been asked to pass along to you that some of Steve's friends are meeting at Barrio on Thursday evening at 8:00. I know that you are all dealing with so much right now, and that you may not yet be ready, but if you feel like it would help at all, we'd of course love to have you.

All the love in the world,

Brigette

Wow, that's truly tragic. His dog too...damn.

Say what you will about our rain and snow here in the Gunks, but you SW-eners can keep your killer bees. (Those Africanized beasts, I presume)

This is very sad news. I remember climbing with Steve at Windy Point many many years ago. He was also a beanfest die hard. Fun to be with , a super nice guy.
Condolences to his family and all of his friends.

With much respect and a heavy heart,

Diane Vetter
Tucson AZ

Gunkiemike wrote:but you SW-eners can keep your killer bees. (Those Africanized beasts, I presume)

A wonderful soul, indeed.

Steve's smile, laughter, and contagious ambition for adventure will be truly missed. I'm honored to have called him Friend.

Very sad news.
Condolences to family and friends.

Even though it goes without saying Steve was a great guy I wanted to.post here and just sa I am blessed that he taught me to climb. Without saying too much I wanted to reinforce the things said about him and also his contribution to our climbing community. He was a great mentor and friend who really enjoyed developing n climbing new routes. I hope we can all learn from him. I wont say he left behind anything because he will always be a part of these mountains through his routes.

Whatever the community decides to do to help the family n honor our friend I would offer my assistance. And lastly would just like to recall the 3 climbers who almost died in a single day from bees in the catalinas. Please use our extremely harsh environment with some respect.
Derek

The guy was always overflowing with unfeigned kindness, friendliness, and good cheer.

One of a kind.

RIP