Cody Bradford

So incredibly bummed to hear this. Cody was a really great human and guide. We ran in to each other a bit running around Red Rock over the years. Always had a kind word and always happy to be on the rocks. RIP Cody, I truly hope you have found your Peace!

Rasputin NLN wrote:

reading between the lines here, sounds like he took his own life due to financial reasons?

Likely more complicated than “financial reasons” and it shows the isolation and loneliness that can come from “dirtbagging” and that being a guide might not be the dream lifestyle as advertised. People need more than clicks and single serving friends to stay connected.

Godspeed.

RIP Cody. Loved you on Instagram and learned a lot from your posts. Glad to have even messaged you a couple of times.

This is sucks, I can't believing on this.I used his video and article as a education....

I have no words big loss..

My deepest condolences to all who knew Cody, he sounded like an amazing guy.

He discussed his mental health in this podcast last year. It's sad to listen to, but I thought it worth sharing since a lot of people are struggling mentally and emotionally these days.

This was so so sad to hear. What a thoughtful guy who shared profusely. I know from some of his posts on FB that he dealt with some heavy heavy stuff. Tragic.

Met Cody and bumped into him a few times at the creek, red rocks, jtree, the city, workshops. Humble and talented young individual. It’s a tragedy to the climbing community and to all his close friends and family. Be kind to everyone, you’ll never know the struggles each one of us are dealing with. He was kind and treated people with respect. RIP Cody

Damn. This hits me hard. We ran into each other numerous times, climbed together and shared campsites from before he became a guide. I haven't seen him for years, but considered Cody a good friend. Time with Cody was good time. He shared some of his past troubles and I was worried how he carried that burden, but I never knew it would develop into this. Oh Hell. He was a real authentic human and friend. Always good to hang and climb with him. 

An earlier post on this thread mentions Benny... oh my,  I am so sad about Cody's death and so sad for you too. My most heartfelt support to you! 

RIP Cody. A toast in your honor my friend. 

I didn’t know Cody, my life is poorer for not have knowing him.

He was clearly a very genuine and caring man.

I grew up climbing many of the areas in NC Cody climbed.

That podcast above is quite good, some really thoughtful introspection from Cody.

My sincere condolences to Cody’s family and friends.

Ezra

As a “trad dad” Cody’s videos have helped me keep my wife and 2 kids (7 and 9) safe and organized on multipitch routes and I’m eternally grateful for that.  Thank you Cody.   You will be missed. 

This saddens me tremendously, even though I never knew Cody, except through his tech tip videos. He was professional, thorough, and seemed like a really, really nice guy. I would have loved to have met him. Just donated to the GFM that was set up. RIP, Cody and my heart goes out to his partner, friends, and family.

RIP Cody. Your memory will live on through the hearts and minds of the people who knew you the best.

Bumping this thread to post this memorial piece. This came as a shock to many. Hopefully it helps folks understand a bit better who Cody was.

https://www.climbing.com/news/cody-bradford-climbing-guide-dies/

I didn't know or follow Cody, but that piece really hit me, especially the last couple paragraphs. Well said Derek. RIP Cody.

Just heard the news today. Gutted.

I was lucky enough to meet Cody back in 2018, in Potrero. I remember seeing Cody roll into Rancho El Sendero and just immediately thinking "holy shit look at the muscles... that guy must be here to climb all the hard routes Potrero has to offer... I hope he's not an ego-chuffing asshole."

And yet, 2 minutes of chatting with him immediately revealed that I was sharing a campground with one of the most kind, humble, compassionate and considerate people I'd ever met. His open and honest "I don't climb the hard stuff much, I tend to do much more adventuring on long moderates. I enjoy the movement and the technical competency more than trying to push grades, and as an aspiring AMGA guide, my goal right now is more about getting my route-count expanded and on being 110% solid on multi-pitch moderates."

It was such a level-headed, goal-oriented, respectfully-communicated, balanced and thoughtful approach to his endeavors - both in climbing and in life in general - that it helped fundamentally change the way I think about what I'm seeking when I go out climbing.

I was in Potrero myself in large part because I was struggling with some tough emotions amidst some family drama and existential angst, and just wanted to run as far away from it all as I could at the time.

I'd always thought that guiding seemed like a pretty admirable lifestyle - a purist's pursuit, sharing the love of climbing with clients, showing them the majesty, sharing a dose of the "overview effect" with those who welcome the journey - but I also knew it was a lifestyle filled with hardship and uncertainty for most who tread the path. 

So I asked Cody about how he got into guiding, and, good lord, I was awe-struck by the honesty and openness with which he shared the story of his upbringing and difficult childhood. I wasn't aware at the time that he was a bona-fide tribal celebrity, so his willingness to share his story felt all the more personal and powerful.

I just remember thinking: Damn. If a guy can go through all that as a kid and still turn out into this beautiful specimen of humanity, there must be some special power in this honesty, this humility, and this lifestyle of devotion to diligently pursuing one's passion.

And, man, you could just feel his love for Benny. It just emanated from him. It was the kind of quiet devotion that you just know is the real deal, the thing all of us are hoping to find or grateful to have found.

After stumbling upon Cody's instagram page some months later, I was just filled with admiration and gratitude to have met this remarkably gifted man who was raising the bar for what one should expect from a professional mountain guide. The wealth of knowledge he would share, the time he would devote to answering followup questions and/or criticisms in his video comments, and his humility when discussing personal preferences but his assertiveness and professionalism in advising against unsafe practices or mentalities.... Superhuman. He just gave so much to so many, and asked so little in return.

Whatever mental health and situational difficulties he must have been struggling with at the end of his life, I hope that Cody, in happier times, knew and felt how much we all admire and care for him. 

Spending time with Cody made me want to be a better person.  More open. More honest. More resilient and determined. More patient. More kind. 

Sharing the campground with Cody and his crew amidst a gaggle of puppies at Rancho El Sendero will remain one of the most joyful memories in all of my days. 

Cody's life made the world a better place to be.

Damn, Brent. Thank you for sharing that. It's a true testament. I appreciate the time and energy to put it into words.