Accident at Darkside sat.

Post by **steep4me** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:40 pm

It's tough to check on Mike's progress on facebook because there are thousands of messages from friends supporting him. Thanks for posting on here, so we have an idea how he is.

Post by **Josephine** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:48 pm

steep4me, go to the "info" tab to see the updates.

Post by **orangerock** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:28 am

I hope the climber who fell recovers fully and leads many a route in the future with or without a helmet. But I'll add my experiences on helmets since maybe it'll help someone decide to wear one. Or maybe not. Anyway, I once fell about 80'. I didn't deck, but I did hit a lot of stuff with my head on the way down. I ended up with a cracked helmet and big knot on my head (in addition to other issues). Did a helmet save me? Who knows, but I was able to stagger back to the motel. Another time, I was climbing next to a guy at Fosters trying to lead a sport route -- sans helmet. He fell trying to clip, flipped over, and hit a protusion with his head on the way down. Lots of blood flowed, but he walked out on his way to the ER. I can relate a few other minor war stories, but I will say I always (well, to be truthful almost always) wear a helmet on lead - sport, trad, ice or whatever. It has taken me 18 yrs of climbing and a bit of luck to figure this out. Regardless, I don't know if Mike's injuries are even related to a lack or presence of a helmet, and hope for the best for him.

Post by **anticlmber** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:15 pm

stopped in to meet mike's parent today, great people and it sucks to meet people under these circumstances.

both of them wanted everyone to know how grateful they are, those that helped with the rescue(thanks again) and to the community as a whole. thanks to the most kick-ass community of climbers we had plenty of help and helped save a life.

his dad said they were going to start weaning mike off of the drugs that keep him in his coma and see how he tolerates it. if you are heading down this weekend there should be a card at the counter of mig's if you would like to sign it.

a big thank you from the tuckers

and a big thank you from me as well.

Post by **pigsteak** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:30 pm

anti, we owe you a big thank you...from what I hear, you were instrumental in the entire rescue.

Post by **One-Fall** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:33 pm

Piggie, that is saying like you have bolted one or two routes.

Anti seems to get to the scene first no matter how far away he is. Guy is kinda a real life hero.

Post by **Jeff** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 9:55 pm

+1
Kind of a blessing how the right people seem to be around when accidents happen.
I know JR would rather spend his time climbing, but you couldn't ask for a more knowledgable and calm person to be there.
Thanks JR.
Edit to say Dr Bob was always the man and I've seen him in action a time or two. JR's got some big shoes to fill but he is doing a great job of it!

Post by **krampus** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:37 pm

damn straight, I don't know anyone more committed to doing what needs to be done, now and with no questions asked

Post by **anticlmber** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 4:37 pm

pigsteak wrote:anti, we owe you a big thank you...from what I hear, you were instrumental in the entire rescue.

pig, no thanks needed, i chose a path that allows me to help others, to not help would be a waste of my time and knowledge, and my life.

i'm no hero, i'm just a guy that wants to see everyone be well, safe, and having a good time. i'd do it without any thanks and i hope others would as well.

really, i'm nobody special, just another card in the deck.

and seriously, THANK YOU to all who helped that day, other days, and those who keep the energy going out to those who need strength in these times.
people think its the climbing that makes the gorge what it is, they are wrong; it's the collection of some of the greatest people EVER.

Post by **Josephine** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 5:30 pm

4/23 3:30p -Mike's parents have requested I pass aong the following:

Not much to add to yesterday's report. The goal right now is to continue to stabilize him, and that is being accomplished. As one of Mike's friend's reminded all of us in her posting, this is not about speed, but rather stamina and will. Mike has plenty of both. Witness this week, he has shown all of us what can be accomplished with stamina and a strong will. Thank you all for your continued and remarkable support for your friend and our family. Mike's Family

4/22 6:30p - Many of you following this site have contacted me privately on a number of issues, most prominently: Where can we send cards, gifts, etc? I've asked the family how they would like to arrange this and...those wishing to send cards, etc. may send items to the CRG at

21200 St. Clair Ave., B3
Euclid, OH 44117.

I will gather them there and take them to Mike's parents' home periodically. Please do not send perishables or flowers as I don't have the storage for perishables or the wherewithal to maintain flowers between arrival and transport to Mike's (sorry). thanks, lee