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FreeCoffee
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 18, 2011 - 03:20pm PT
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The Press Release:
Rock Climber Injured at Joshua Tree National Park
Park rangers responded this afternoon to assist an injured rock climber in the Saddle Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park. William Becher, 65, fell 30-feet in a climbing accident and sustained injuries to his lower extremities. Mr. Becher was flown by Mercy Air to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs for treatment of his injuries.
National Park Service rangers were notified of the accident at approximately noon on Friday. Ten members of the park’s Joshua Tree Search-and-Rescue (JOSAR) team responded to the incident. Park Ranger Mike Shuman was Incident Commander for the rescue effort. Park rescuers were supported by emergency personnel from San Bernardino County Fire Engine 36, Morongo Basin Ambulance, and a Mercy Air helicopter. Mr. Becher, a California resident, was carried by rescue personnel from the base of Saddle Rock to the park road where he was loaded into a Morongo Basin Ambulance and taken a short distance to the Oyster Bar parking area for medical transport by Mercy Air to Desert Regional Hospital.
The incident is under investigation by Joshua Tree National Park rangers.
-NPS-
12/16/11
Cheers to a speedy recovery.
Bernadette Regan
JT Climbing Ranger
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reddirt
climber
PNW
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Dec 18, 2011 - 03:41pm PT
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sustained injuries to his lower extremities
Thankful that it sounds like the noggin's ok. Best wishes for solid recovery & not-too-uncomfy holiday season.
edit: didn't know about spine injury when I wrote this.
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steelmnkey
climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
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Dec 18, 2011 - 03:54pm PT
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Walk on the Wild Side claims another?
(edit: apparently not)
Best wishes and quick healing to the injured.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Dec 18, 2011 - 03:56pm PT
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Serious bummer. Best wishes to Bill Becher.
In the photo in the news article linked above, it looks like the rescue is at or near the start of Right On?
If this is the Bill Becher I've heard of, he is very active in many outdoor sports and a photographer. Hopefully he can return to all of his activities quickly!
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climbrunride
Sport climber
Golf Wall, CO
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:03pm PT
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Bummer. Hope he heals up well without too much pain.
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RJMang
climber
Santa Fe
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:25pm PT
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Bummer? That lame response is something you say when someone misses a connecting flight. Bill fell 30' and broke his spine. He's paralyzed. Bummer is what you say when you might have a tough few hours, not the rest of your life.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:27pm PT
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Thanks for the additional info on the spinal injury. I'd not seen that before. The first info suggested it was just lower extremity injury. Second one added a head injury. And now your post.
Everyone here hates to see someone injured. That is universal. No need to berate Climbrunride or KSolem regarding info they couldn't have possibly known.
We all wish healing and comfort to Bill.
edit: Do you have a link to this new info? Thanks in advance.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:35pm PT
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Bummer? That lame response is something you say...
I think you will find a deep well of compassion and hope for your injured friend on this forum.
I am very sorry to hear of the seriousness of his injuries, and wish him the best of all possible outcomes. He will be in my thoughts.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:48pm PT
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Not good....sending healing thoughts and prayers his way...
We all have different ways of expressing concern...most important is assuming positive intentions.
Susan
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:57pm PT
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Thanks Bernadette.
I hope the climber has a full recovery sooner than later.
The amount of traffic in that particular area is the reason it sees more headlines. The climbs there are as safe as you make them.
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reddirt
climber
PNW
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Dec 18, 2011 - 04:59pm PT
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Bummer? That lame response is something you say when someone misses a connecting flight. Bill fell 30' and broke his spine. He's paralyzed. Bummer is what you say when you might have a tough few hours, not the rest of your life.
perhaps the "lame" response was not intentional. will now go click on link.
edit: the quote above was the 1st reference to spine injury in thread. so sorry to hear. Still early-ish in the timeline so best wishes, absolutely.
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mirv
climber
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Dec 18, 2011 - 05:20pm PT
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Bill fell 30' and broke his spine.
Sh#t, RJ do you know this for sure? This is starting to sound awful.
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rlf
Trad climber
Josh, CA
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Dec 18, 2011 - 05:26pm PT
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It was a route to the left of WOTWS. Not sure which one yet. It wasn't Right On.
I heard about the spine injury, but wasn't sure. Sad to hear the outcome.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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Dec 18, 2011 - 05:34pm PT
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Sorry to read about this person being injured. Best wishes for him and family/friends at this time.
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jsb
Trad climber
Bay area
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Dec 18, 2011 - 06:02pm PT
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Hoping for the best...
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Dec 18, 2011 - 06:06pm PT
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best wishes to Bill
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Dec 18, 2011 - 07:42pm PT
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Best wishes to all involved.
Prayers for bill.
Josh
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Gary
climber
That Long Black Cloud Is Coming Down
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Dec 18, 2011 - 08:25pm PT
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Best wishes and hopes for Bill Becher.
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Dec 18, 2011 - 08:39pm PT
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Bernadette,
It was nice to meet you a few weeks ago at the Intersection Rock parking lot, I was climbing with Donini. Thanks for your hard work.
Kevin Mokracek
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Dec 18, 2011 - 08:51pm PT
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hey there say, for bill and his family...
very sorry to hear this... will sure be praying...
climbers REALLY DO care, as to their fallen-climbers-of-rock...
may some open doors come your way, bill, for some kind of success to
get through this awful hard time...
very glad he lived through this fall, may help surface for
whatever his needs will be, in the future...
god bless...
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Dirka
Trad climber
SF
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Dec 18, 2011 - 08:55pm PT
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I wish him and his family the best. Sorry to hear this.
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strangeday
Trad climber
Brea ca.
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Dec 18, 2011 - 09:18pm PT
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Sending positive thoughts, and hoping for a full recovery...
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susan peplow
climber
www.joshuatreevacationhomes.com
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Dec 18, 2011 - 09:28pm PT
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First off, our sincerest wishes for a speedy healing to Bill. It's always difficult to hear of a climber falling. Hang in there Bill and thank goodness you're alive to tell the tale.
Secondly, a thank you to Bernadette for posting these updates on a forum who generally cares about the climbing community.
~Susan
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BillL
Trad climber
NM
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Dec 18, 2011 - 11:11pm PT
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Sending all my best to Bill B. I've not met him face to face. We had corresponded last summer ... quite a bit about climbing ... through the internet. He was very forthcoming and helpful. I have only the highest regard for him and wish him the best in this challenge.
Bill L
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Dec 19, 2011 - 01:28am PT
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Wishing him the best.
65 used to be considered elderly, now a big hazard is an extreme sport injury. Way to live Large
Peace
Karl
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Sara Matisse
climber
unknown
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Dec 19, 2011 - 01:34am PT
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Bill hold tough! Sending healing vibes your way...
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Dec 19, 2011 - 01:55am PT
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Be okay. Heal. Best energy I can generate for you, friend.
JL
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Dec 19, 2011 - 09:19am PT
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Bill's nice guy and an outdoor journalist. Pretty good climber too from what I know. www.becher.com
Saddle rock takes another climber down (this time only temporarily). Perhaps due to the distractingly nice view it is an area where a climber can make a mistake. Hopefully Bill will fill us in when he is ready.
Thanks Bernadette for official press release so quickly.
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kimba
climber
Ventura, CA
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Dec 19, 2011 - 12:26pm PT
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Hello all,
I'm a very good friend and climbing partner of Bill and friend of his wonderful wife. Yes, Bill sustained an injury to his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He also sustained a broken scapula as well as several broken ribs. Surgery was performed yesterday (successfully!) to stabilize his spine. Various xrays, MRI's, etc revealed no apparent head injury. He still has use of his upper body and arms.
Bill's wife has asked us to please not overwhelm them with emails, posts or phone calls during this very difficult time. If anyone would like more information, please feel free to contact me as I am acting as the "point person" for info on Bill's status. I will try and keep you all posted on his status,
FYI, I believe he was on Right On, but did a variation on the start to the right of the route? note sure about this yet...
I spoke with Bill before his surgery and he wanted to commended the JOSAR team and his climbing partner that day for doing such a great job taking care of him. Bill still maintained his sense of special "Bill humor" (those of you who know him, know what I mean:-)) and I know that will help he and his wife get through this. Please continue to keep Bill and his wife in your thoughts and prayers...
Kim
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Dec 19, 2011 - 01:16pm PT
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Praying for Bill. It is sad to see such an injury and at this time of year. I hope Bill still will have much joy in life ahead.
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susan peplow
climber
www.joshuatreevacationhomes.com
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Dec 19, 2011 - 01:20pm PT
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Thank you Kimba for the additional information and for being such a good friend to Bill and his family. As a close friend, I'm sure this is a difficult time for you as well. Hang in there and best wishes to Bill as he starts the healing process and changes in their lives.
~Susan
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Dec 19, 2011 - 02:00pm PT
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Sending our best wishes for Bill's recovery.
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John Butler
Social climber
SLC, Utah
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Dec 19, 2011 - 03:37pm PT
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Big sigh and best wishes
:-|
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BillL
Trad climber
NM
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Dec 19, 2011 - 04:14pm PT
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Thank you for the update, Kim.
In case it saves some effort at explanations, I've linked below a picture with a guess at Bill B's chosen line. If this is correct and unless requested to do otherwise, I'll include the marked photo in this post via later "edit". If not, I'll delete the link.
Possible "Right On" variation.
Bill L
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA
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Dec 19, 2011 - 05:18pm PT
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So sorry to hear about this. Best wishes to Bill on his recovery.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 19, 2011 - 07:22pm PT
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God bless ya, Bill. I pray the healing goes well.
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Ashcroft
Trad climber
SLC, UT
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Dec 19, 2011 - 07:51pm PT
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Bill, very sorry to hear of the accident, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Please know that there are a lot of people pulling for you.
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Johnny K.
climber
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Dec 19, 2011 - 07:56pm PT
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:( Prayers to Bill,all of his family and friends.
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Geoff
Trad climber
Sacramento, CA
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Dec 19, 2011 - 08:06pm PT
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I was really shocked and sad to hear about this. I've known Bill for years. He used to be a kayaker, and I used to be an avid climber. I've gotten more into bikes and kayaks, and Bill got more into climbing, and it's been fun to watch him progress via Facebook updates. We're not best buddies or anything, but I've shared more than a few drinks with him, slept in his RV, and always enjoyed his good humor and energy the time we're spent hanging out.
He's an outdoor writer and photographer, and he got me in the paper a few times...All around good guy, and I hope I have 1/3 his energy and enthusiasm when I'm 65.
I've heard from mutual friend, who is very close friends with Bill, that his wife has asked the community to avoid dissecting the accident. I think, in our hearts, we all know we're just one shitty moment from something similar. I can think of dozens of moments in my climbing career that were just pure simple luck that I didn't end up hurt badly...
I did also hear that the injury to his spine is very serious, and his recovery will be long, arduous, and likely never a "complete recovery".
Words don't express well what I'm feeling. It just really sucks.
Geoff
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Abend
Social climber
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Dec 19, 2011 - 10:10pm PT
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My heart goes out to Bill and Jane at this difficult time. Kim, I hope you will post an update when they are ready to start receiving cards/email.
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BG
Trad climber
JTree & Idyllwild
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Dec 19, 2011 - 11:06pm PT
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Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray for your strength and healing. Get better, my friend.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Dec 20, 2011 - 12:19am PT
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If life was a roadmap and a human could pick their route, freeway, highway, etc. climbers, kayakers and other outdoor folk would undoubtedly pick the knarly off road route.
We can get taken out on a highway as well as on a road in the middle of no where. Things happen.
But really living life is what life is about. I don't know you Bill, but I admire your life. Praying for you young man. No one can really predict outcomes. May you have an incredible recovery. And comfort and peace along with prayers for the decisions you and your wife will need to make along the way. lynne
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Anastasia
climber
I'm simply missing my mama.
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Dec 20, 2011 - 01:31am PT
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I heard through the grapevine and... I am really sorry about the accident and what you guys are going through right this second. Wishing, hoping and praying for the best outcome. Beyond that, if you need anything from us, just email me and I'll do everything that is in my power.
Our regards,
Anastasia and Bill
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BillL
Trad climber
NM
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Dec 20, 2011 - 10:06am PT
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I don't assume everyone has the same experience. And forgive if this seems disrespectful in assumptions ...
The first week or so which is now, the mind is still firing in the old patterns: what were those moves in that tricky section a week or so ago? what's the next climb? where's the next trip? etc.. But the body is clearly going a different way. It takes time to reconcile the two and gain new patterns, of course.
And this definitely extends to those who are personally close as they are making obviously significant adjustments to the difference in someone for whom they deeply care. We all find it hard to change things in ourselves even when we want that change. Yes? And yet, the folks mentioned so far in this post have no choice. Time doesn't work that way. And so it is hard.
There's all the above complications to contend with while those not so close are wondering about and wishing to learn from the details of what happened. While I personally recall what's said above out of my own experience, I also definitely fall into this latter category of folks in this case and tend to rush to unhelpful speculation ... even here. :-/
Someone on Super Topo once said we should wait to dissect until the person is out of the hospital ... or similar milestone - can't recall; I believe it was in the thread that generated "The Woody Check". And given Bill's keenness for the out-of-doors and his own experiences with mentoring new climbers, I believe he'll see to it that the community eventually learns as much as practical from his experience ... when his higher-priority challenges are resolved.
Bill L
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Dec 20, 2011 - 01:23pm PT
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So sorry to here this....strength to Bill and his family and friends...
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Bill Becher
Trad climber
Westlake Village, CA
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Thanks all for the good wishes. I’m trying not to dwell on what happened, and I a way it’s embarrassing as I made some pretty basic mistakes. Don’t want to participate in a “dissection” of the accident, but in the hope of preventing future ones, here’s my version of what happened.
I was taking a new climber on an “eval” climb for the SCMA. She needed to do at least a three pitch trad climb and had to complete it by Dec 31. We went to Saddle Rock early to do Right On, a climb I’d done a few weeks before without incident. I had a sense of urgency, and a need to hurry. Bad idea. Climbing should be efficient, but not hurried, with temptations to cut corners.
We did a variation start on the right side from a ledge below a small overhang with a a fist sized crack. I placed a piece in the crack, but I was so low it didn’t really amount to pro. I got over the ledge and made my first mistake, heading straight up rather than traversing left where there was better pro. I saw a stuck piece higher up and thought I’d save time by going straight up.
Sometimes we get tunnel vision, focusing on a hold, feature, bolt, whatever and going for it rather than taking a more intelligent line. But there was no pro on the dihedral I was following until I was really run out. I was slab climbing, and the slab was gritty and loose, not good footing. I reached a finger crack, where the cam was stuck. I tried to get a jamb in the crack and leaned forward, raising my heels, a beginner mistake. My feet greased off and I fell, flipping over when I hit the overhand and lawn darted head first on to the ledge.
Fortunately I’d discussed emergency procedures with my partner and had given her a spare key to my truck. She down climbed from the belay ledge and drove to Intersection Rock to the ranger phone. Apparently it didn’t work too well, a bad connection, but she was able to alert the rangers. Three climbers from Las Vegas, an EMT, Wilderness First Responder and a vet came back with her and gave me some great care. I could tell that I was paralyzed, no feeling or ability to move my legs.
When they got there the stabilized my neck and checked me over. I remember the vet saying the pulse in my hind legs was good. At least she didn’t put me down… Thanks to these climbers for some great care. The SAR team showed up and another EMT took over. They had to carry me out “caterpillar” style on a board. Then an ambulance and heli to Desert Regions Hospital, a trauma center that handles a lot of dirt bike and other accidents in the desert area.
Damages were a shattered spine, spinal cord severed at T10, both scapula fractured, a bunch of ribs fractured and a fractured clavicle. A six hour surgery fused the spine, and a month of rehab in Northridge has got me learning how to live in a wheelchair.
Lessons: Avoid a sense of hurrying when climbing, avoid loose slab climbing, don’t run it out, keep the heels down, don’t develop tunnel vision when there are better lines. Think! I didn’t and paid a big price. Hope this helps.
Bill Becher
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Dos XX
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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There's no doubt that among those who read this, and because of reading this, better decisions will be made in similar situations, and some accidents will be avoided. Thank you, Bill, for taking the time, and showing the courage to write this. Best wishes to you in your recovery.
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rwedgee
Ice climber
canyon country,CA
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Best wished to you and strength to keep moving forward.
Chris
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Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
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Thanks for posting Bill. This could happen to any of us, and we all hope the best for you.
Rick
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Bill - thanks for posting and happy to see you here. Best wishes.
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John Butler
Social climber
SLC, Utah
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Bill,
Wishing you the best. Thanks for the great advice.
jb
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Bill,
We all have made similar errors in judgment and were lucky to escape relatively unscathed. I am glad to hear that you are healing and thank you posting this reminder to the rest of us.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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Thank you for posting, and for your humor, as shown in the sentence about the vet and your hind leg!
Learning to live - we can all use lessons in that, can't we? May you find that rolling along with your chair takes you up a path that brings great joy and fulfillment in the chapters ahead in your life story.
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Bill, thank you so much for providing a first hand account of your accident. The smallest mistakes when climbing can result in horrific consequences, as happened to you.
Thank you also for your example of courage and determination as you continue physical therapy and rehab for your life going forward.
Phyl
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
-A race of corn eaters
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Bill,
Thanks for posting your account and counsel.
I hope you'll stick around here at the forum.
All the best to you.
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Bill,
So glad you are still with us. And that you can write as well as ever. That "lawn dart" descriptor will stick with me forever. Hooray for the helmet and people who take time to get trained on first aid.
Chris
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Bill Becher
Trad climber
Westlake Village, CA
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A friend took my BD helmet. She said at first it looked okay. Then she held it up to the light and saw a crack right across the top. Several patients at the rehab hospital had brain injuries and were seriously f'd up. Felt sorry for them and their families.
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Abend
Social climber
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Glad you are back online.
Good to hear from you Bill.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Incredible story. A very brave man, continue your healing journey and many thanks for sharing. Yes, it truly could have been any of us.
Susan
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BG
Trad climber
JTree & Idyllwild
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Hi Bill,
Glad you're doing better, and I'm glad you were wearing your helmet!
Thanks for posting what happened...I'd heard different things, and of course none of them were true.
Give me a call when you get a chance, I've got a good fish story for you.
Cheers,
Bob Gaines
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Grampa
Trad climber
OC in So Cal
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Bill,
Thank you for your courage and wise advice. Thank you for reliving the accident for the benefit of other climbers.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Al
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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glad ur back online.
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