Deaths in Red River

[GWG]

I hate to bring up the subject of death and I hope that it doesn't touch too close to anyone.

Someone I work with was telling me that I was a horrible parent because I was subjecting my sons to the dangers of climbing and should lose custody of them for endangering them. They read about the deaths that occur at the Red and say that it won't be long till they are reading about me or my boys. No sense in trying to convince them that the majority of the accidents that do occur are from "non-climbers" who were doing something they shouldn't have been trying in the first place. In addition, by teaching them how to climb, they have a greater appreciation for the dangers associated with being around the cliffs. Personally, I believe I'm a great father because I am exposing them to opportunities that challenge them physically and mentally. They both have an incredible amount of self confidence because they see what they can accomplish.

Are there statistics on the number of deaths in Red River Gorge and the breakdown of causes? I have read articles in the paper about "Climber Falls to Their Death" only to find out that it was someone who happened to come to Red River Gorge to camp and then decided to try to climb up some rock and fell.

Thanks,

GWG

[rhunt]

I wouldn't even worry about finding statistics, those people calling you a 'horrible parent' are just ignorant. The most dangerous part of a climbing trip is the car ride to the crag!

[Johnny]

As far as I know, the stats of death of climbers in the Red equal "1". The fellow who was lowering off/rappelling from a tree above Calypso II. The tree pulled and he bonked his head too hard on the rock and died. There have been climbing injuries, but all other deaths have been from "campers" or "hikers" who walk off a cliff in the dark looking for a bathroom while intoxicated/high.

FYI - The best place to find dead people in the Red is at the bottom of the big chimney at Chimney Top. It's great to see kids taking on the challenge of jumping across the chasm (not quite realizing it's a downhill jump) and then trying to jump uphill to get back.

[Christian]

Dear GWG, I am of 2 minds in reference to the people who made those comments:First, it seems clear that they were motivated out of love, concern and fear for you and your kids and they weren't able to skillfully address the subject withyou.Second, theyshould just go fuck themselves.
Now, I like it when I am of the first mindset but sometimes I drift back into the second.

[Guest]

That person is probably right.You'll die!

[canadaclimbergirl]

I had a friend tell me that I was irresposible and selfish by putting my life at risk everytime I go climbing. He said that it isn't fair to my family etc.

I was a bitch..and told him that his life was more at risk sitting in front of his game cube all day long in a waste land of potato chips, ciggarettes and laziness.

true?

[Guest]

Fuckem and feedem frenchfries.Or was it Freedom Fries.We're all gonna die of Terrorists or Airplanes or maybe Sars,Aids,Hanta........Its all bullshit!!!The best times in my life have been while climbing.I don't care if it kills me.French fries and a static lifestyle will kill you quicker!!

[KYBoulder]

GWG,
If you're a terrible parent for teaching your boys the correct way to climb and enjoy the sport, then how bad am I? My wife just had twins last weekend and I'm counting down the days until I can teach them myself. Don't worry about what people say... sometimes you come across people that feel it's their duty to save us terrible people.
Johnny is right... most of the deaths are due to campers/hikers simply wandering into to wrong areas late at night.
josh

[Huggybone]

Hmmm... No one has ever told me I was taking a selfish risk, but maybe they thought I would be doing the world a favor if I died climbing.

[dhoyne]

Yeah, but 100% of non-climbers die.