Three Climbers Missing on Oregon's Mt. Hood

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Where's the compassion? December 20, 2006 10:33 am (Pacific time)

Regardless of what anyone has to say, these guys were expert climbers or at least highly experienced climbers. They did almost everything they could possibly do for such a trek. Yes, a tracking device or GPS would have been helpful and may have pinpointed their location quicker, but when mother nature moves in as she did, there is not much anyone could have done in such conditions even if their location was known. But does that mean people should never climb again. I think not. I pray for the families and the climbers. Everyone can second guess and criticize their decisions. Some people may not like the analogy of driving in the rain or snow or even dry conditions, but it is a highly increased risk of being hurt or killed. Mother nature is unpredictable and often wins despite one's abilities, expertise, or will to survive. Just because you are an expert, doesnt mean you can always beat mother nature and impossible odds. But that wont keep me from hiking and climbing, because my family and I have seen and experienced what most flatlanders and commuters haven't or ever will. Peace be with the families and the climbers. BP

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Risk in Everything December 20, 2006 10:16 am (Pacific time)

You let your son play football and drive them to football games in a car? I can guarantee that there are more football injuries and ambulance rides than in mountain climbing. In addition, I guarantee there are more deaths occuring from expert drivers driving to and from football games.

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anonymous December 20, 2006 7:26 am (Pacific time)

To all the "live life to its fullest...would you stop driving a car...died doing what they loved" bloggers, the bottom line is that they all apparently had wives and perhaps children/ families. The rationale that they died doing something they loved is BS because that meant they loved risking their life and leaving people behind that need them in more ways than one, more than life, life's riches, and family. That is selfish. I gaurantee you that I get the same "rush" watching my son score his first goal, catch his first pass, or hit his first baseball than I would risking my life in an attempt to "live life to its fullest"!! Once you get married and/or have children, your life is not your own anymore even if that means forgoing "living life to its fullets" and living in a bubble to make sure your loved ones have a husband, father, brother, etc!! Yes, accidents will happen, but that does not mean we should take risks or do activities that expose us to increased risks. My condolences to the families of the climbers. My prayers are with them.

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Anonymous December 19, 2006 11:41 pm (Pacific time)

My comment is this: they should not have gone climbing in December up that mountain.

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Tracy December 19, 2006 8:35 pm (Pacific time)

These guys were doing what they loved and lost their lives, but they are in a much better place now. It is always sad to have a loved one pass. I beleive they were very experienced climbers and the weather and the hurt shoulder took over their experience. Have mercy on these people downing the mens decision to do what they loved.

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not an expert climber December 19, 2006 6:58 pm (Pacific time)

a big part of what makes someone an expert climber, is knowing their own limits-and preparing for the worst. the conditions were/are survivable, unfortunately their poor decision-making and inexperience aren't. it's tragic, yes, but i'm tired of the term "expert climbers" being thrown around so loosely. makes for a more sensational story i suppose. just like the "shattered" arm that's actually a shoulder dislocation. it's sickening and nosey- the way stories like this are portrayed by the news clowns. it's not "expert climbers" who died up there, it's a classic "biting off more than they could chew" story. tragic nonetheless. at least other climbers can learn from their tragedy.

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Billy December 18, 2006 10:54 pm (Pacific time)

Life is not life if you live in a bubble. These guys were doing what they loved and I sincerely hope they find the others alive. But some of the comments made below are just stupid. Mother Nature is always in charge and leads to deaths everyday. People choose to live in San Francisco, yet it is on a major fault line that will have another major quake. Should we outlaw driving in rainy weather since most accidents occur in such conditions, even for experienced drivers. These guys were living life to its fullest and have conquered challenges few would attempt. Without individuals like these, then most of us would be without many of the things we take for granted. As far as the rescuers are concerned, they are doing a great job for which they get paid to do!

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Allison Sharp December 17, 2006 10:58 pm (Pacific time)

Hi! I live in Buckhannon, West Virginia. My uncle, Marty Bennett, was killed in the Sago disaster that occurred on Jan 2, 2006. My family and I want to send our love to the families of the Mt. Hood climbers. We want them to know that we know what they are going through with having to wait and wait for answers. Our hearts are breaking for them and we want them to know that we are praying for them and wish them the best. I'm not sure if this message will get to them, but my aunt, Marty's widow, wanted me to try my best. If it is at all possible, could you please make sure they all know that we are continuously praying for them. Thank you and God Bless!

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Todd Morrison in Texas December 14, 2006 11:09 am (Pacific time)

I climbed the north face the second week of november; visibility was 7 feet with about 6 feet of snow fall at night. I logged -17 on the summit around 4 am on 3 attempts. Isn't good mountaineering being prepared for a Bivy? Or, just to simply over-research, avoid late season glaciers that haven't had time to heal, and navigating without visibility? There is a lodge and warming hut less than 2 hours away from the north summit for anyone whom still can use a compass.

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Anonymous December 13, 2006 12:38 pm (Pacific time)

People take the risk of climbing every day weather it's just climbing out of your bed in the morning or climbing into your car. Mr. Kim accident was just that an accident. these gentlemen didn't know Mr. Kim that I know of. Would you stop driving your car if I died driving mine tomorrow NO you wouldn't. It's the basic thing in life. In death life must go on. They knew the risk, took the risk and are now living with the risk. What is truly stupid, is not enjoying your life to the fullest while you are here it's way too short as it is.I hope sincerely hope they make it back to their loved ones alive and for the most part well.

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Friend in Texas December 13, 2006 10:39 am (Pacific time)

I know the family of Kelly James. His daughter, Katie, is one of my good friends and her dad has been climbing for a really long time. She has even gone with him before. I wish people would stop critizing and just think about their safe return. They are a really strong family with faith in God so I am sure that is what is keeping them from falling apart right now. Katie and her brothers are really close to her dad. Just keep them in your prayers and thanks for everyones concern.

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Anonymous December 11, 2006 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

People plan their trips well in advance, and buy plane tickets, too. As these three almost undoubtedly did. We went up to the snow Saturday (well equipped) despite Mr. Kim's sad demise. Let's just hope that the state recovers the money on all these searches - responsibility belongs to the individual traveller if they do decide to leave their house, for whatever reason.

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John December 11, 2006 12:12 pm (Pacific time)

"Only if people would stay inside, and out of trouble..." Bahahaha! Totally unrelated to the Kim story. Climbers should, however, be required to post some sort of "rescue fund", to compensate local counties who have to mount huge rescue operations. At least the Kim family paid for extra helicopters out of their own pocket. Godspeed to these missing climbes, nonetheless.

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Anon December 11, 2006 12:10 pm (Pacific time)

Stay inside and out of trouble? What fun is in that? Plus this is totally different than Mr Kims situation.

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Anonymous December 11, 2006 11:19 am (Pacific time)

Please, it would be silly to discontinue climbing on account of a guy dying because he left his car. They aren't even nearly related. These guys are apparently experienced, they would have to be to attempt the more difficult North face route. I hope they are okay, but if they are not, then they knew the risks going in.

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Anonymous December 11, 2006 10:45 am (Pacific time)

People climb because they'd rather die living then live half-dead. Any experienced climber knows the risks. Somebody who abandons a vehicle without proper food, water, or clothing is just a candidate for a Darwin award.

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Anonymous December 11, 2006 10:17 am (Pacific time)

I hope they are o.k.. but, I cant understand why did they do this, right after Mr.Kims accident?Lets start a chain, and all of us do stupid things in the winter!Whats wrong with people these days? Only if people would stay inside, and out of trouble.I really feel for those guys though.. Just like Mr. Kim, my heart really goes out.. GOOD LUCK!

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