RRC Archives

I know the entire climbing community mourns the loss. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Ben and Laura.

My thoughts and prayers are with their friends, families, and the climbing community as a whole.
Loss is never easy.

Any words seem hollow so deep is the pain... Everything has been said, but I want to add my voice to yours, to add my thoughts to yours, for them. Far away from the Red, here, in France, I feel so helpless. My heart's crying these two awsome kids...

Elodie

Sorry for you loss. Ironically, Whiteout was the last climb I ever did with my brother before he passed on. We climbed Whiteout as the last climb of the day one Sunday and that was the last time I saw him.

Deepest sympathy from both of us.

so sad that they are gone...thinking of their families...

Still can't beleive it. It doesn't seem real being so far away.

My thoughts have been with you all in the red, this is such a hard time for you all.

Thinking of their families and all their friends.

Katy and I got up very early to vote up here in Northern Kentucky. then we headed to the Red. Global Village seemed like a good choice for Katy's growing trad leading skills, with several good 7's and I had my mind on another trip up Howard Roark. Our beautiful, fun day was momentarily disturbed by the sound of sirens, very close. I hate the idea of any climber even spraining an ankle, much less needing rescue. The coyotes across the way reacted with an extended chorus of yipping, barking and yapping. It was almost dark. The dying light found us finishing on Eureka, another fine lead for Katy, leaving Howard Roark to wait for me in his Fountainhead. As we neared the end of the trail, we began to see the lights and hear the people. Two rescue people were coming up the trail. They were serious. We figured someone was really hurt. We went to find out and Steve came up to us and asked if wer had been climbing at Global Village. He seemed really shaken, near tears. He told me. I tried to offer some comfort, some support. The other climbers were quiet or talking on their phones. What began to register with me was that Katy and I had been having our beautiful fun climbing day while two of our fellow climbers had fallen to their deaths just a few hundred meters away at Emerald City. Walking away from the group it hit me. I burst into tears, as did Katy. We cried for the loss of fellow climbers. We cried for the young lives cut short. We cried for the loss of other young people in our own lives. We leaned on each other for support. I'm not one of the regulars at Miguel's, but I needed to feel part of the community. Miguel was stunned, as was his wife and family. A young woman working at the counter was trying to take orders in between taking crying breaks outside. I asked if she was close to Ben and Laura and she said, "We're all one big family here." It wasn't till later after calling Harini in Louisville that Katy and I realized we had climbed with Ben and Laura a few weeks before at Pebble Beach. Ben had just gone up a 5.12a. He told me he had also recently put up a hard 10R offwidth somewhere. He was expanding. He was growing. They both were following their passions, following their love. I guess we are all part of the large family of climbers. Let us have fun, friends, but let's be careful, not casual. Feel your feelings. Love, Bill

Very sad. I feel so bad for all the friends and family affected by this. Hang in there.

It's been a year and we still miss the hell outta you two!! Rest well, and everyone who can make a trip up to Lady Slipper should go see the carving that Miguel made at the base. Thanks Miguel, and remember life is special!!