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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 22, 2006 - 02:13am PT
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Any of you guys know him? Bill has worked at Tioga Pass Resort for a couple years and has roots in Tuscon. He's a great guy and gentle soul, strong climber and skier. Apparently he was skiing Ellery Bowl over the weekend, broke a cornice, and rode the ensuing avalanche down the bowl. He crawled to the road and was picked up by a TPR snowmobile. He's all busted up, legs, ribs, lung, etc. and is in Mammoth ICU. I don't have specific details. Keep him in your thoughts/prayers and maybe stick your head in to say hello. I think he'll be recovering at his brother's house in Sonora. (Hope he doesn't mind this post.)
-JD
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Larry
Trad climber
Reno NV
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Mar 22, 2006 - 09:03am PT
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Holy sh!t! Yeah, I know Bill. Thanks for the news. I rode out an avalanche one time too, but I was only buried.
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Mar 22, 2006 - 10:26pm PT
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Bill is in a very complex shoulder surgery right now (seven hours already). His shoulder is very badly damaged (as are his knees, eight broken ribs and lots of smaller stuff). He's been doped up a lot. He's uninsured. His sister has set up an account into which donations can be placed. Details will be posted here when they are availible. He's going to need some financial help from the climbing community to get through this.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2006 - 10:30pm PT
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Thanks for the update Brad. I'll help out as much as I can.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2006 - 01:12pm PT
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Thanks Martha. You probably know Bill's brother Jim Lundeen from Sonora.
I'm thinking about fundraising options. I don't have much cash, but have lots of framed art. Jim is a fine photographer as well. Surely others would donate something? I'm sure we could get some sort of benefit art show/auction going.
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10b4me
Ice climber
The Happies
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Mar 23, 2006 - 09:27pm PT
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Don't know him but, willing to chip in.
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Mar 23, 2006 - 10:11pm PT
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Shoulder surgery took 9 hours total. There were so many broken bones that the surrounding soft tissues were essentially shredded. Bones are wired together and the shoulder must remain immobile for 6 weeks. If the bones are healed by then he can start with some movement. Both knees need MRIs, with both showing obvious signs of serious ligament damage. Probable additional surgeries. Still, he walked today, with help and on serious pain meds. Bill's a great guy. Peaceful, philosophic to a fault, very non-materialistic. Always made great coffee on our trips to Josh.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2006 - 01:19am PT
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Thanks for the update. I haven't gotten ahold of Jim. Do you know if he is getting his messages? His phone was dead a few days ago.
This is all quite troubling. Are there any surgeons on this site willing to work for good Karma? We're brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser. All input welcome...
Thanks 10b4me.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2006 - 03:13pm PT
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Bill is out of ICU, as of last night, and was relieved to get the catheter removed. The hospital bill is getting huge. It' going to be a long recovery time and will not likely be 100%. I can't believe he was able to weight those legs.
Sounds like the cornice was huge. Jim said he wasn't even close to the edge when it collapsed under him.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
one pass away from the big ditch
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Mar 25, 2006 - 12:23am PT
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whoa!
I'm in.
BY, let me know and I can post the info on the SPH site as well.
heal fast bill!
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Hootervillian
climber
the Hooterville World-Guardian
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Mar 25, 2006 - 12:36am PT
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i don't know him, but that shouldn't matter. i've rolled similiar dice.
i've got a little, is there an address/account setup?
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 25, 2006 - 01:03pm PT
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Jim and/or Bill are going to give the whole story shortly, and where to send our support. Standby.
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jaminjimi
climber
Sonora, CA
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Mar 26, 2006 - 12:46am PT
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THANK YOU each for the response. It has been very encouraging to see people's interest in helping out. Bill has been improving beyond the optimism of anyone involved in his care here at Mammoth Hospital.
On Saturday Bill was skinning along the edge of the Dana Plateau above Ellery Bowl, by himself, and fully aware of the huge cornices that have built up from numerous recent storms. He was above the Chute-out Couloir when the cornice released with him on top, despite having been some distance back from the edge. After riding the slide to the bottom of the chute(which he'll need to tell you about over a Margarita sometime...), he found himself suddenly out from under the weight of the snow and ice just after it had slowed to a crawl. He used his left arm, the one functioning limb, to get himself the rest of the way down to the road a few hours later. He was thankfully found by Brian who had come out looking for him on the snowmobile, before dark.
The TPR crew got him down the mountain and to Mammoth Hospital where he has been treated for the past week with 8 broken ribs with a punctured lung (hemo/pneumothorax), several right leg (fibular) fractures, multiple knee ligaments torn, and a shattered right shoulder blade which was repaired surgically. He is still in need of further MRI's and probable knee surgery, which will come later. Now he is past the most critical part and should be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. True to form, my big brother has dealt with this with a flexible attitude and even laughs when he's been coherant, though laughing with 8 broken ribs doesn't seem to be so very comfortable...
An account has been set up to help defray the extensive hospital and surgical bills that will be continuing to add up for the next few months. For anyone willing and able to help out, here is how to do it:
Make check payable to: Tucson Federal Credit Union
on reference line include: acct #55407-2, Bill Lundeen
PO Box 42435
Tucson, AZ 85733
Thank you to all who send their encouragement, support, and positive energy, and to those who are able to help with the finances. He will be staying in Sonora for at least the next month or so, and you can contact him at bildeen@hotmail.com.
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WBraun
climber
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Mar 26, 2006 - 01:06am PT
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Yikes! That sounds like a pain full ordeal. Must have been a powerful avalanche of snow from that cornice.
That's what makes people great, guys like Brian keeping an eye out for others.
In a city environment you can be run over by a car, laying in the gutter and the world may pass you by not wanting to get involved.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 26, 2006 - 03:44am PT
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Thanks for the whole story Jim. I'm amazed he's alive, and second what Werner said 'bout Brian. We'll have to buy him a round.
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
boulder, co
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Mar 26, 2006 - 01:36pm PT
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Don't know him but I would be willing to donate some of my guidebooks, a framed photograph or some cash. Hope that he makes a quick recovery.
Later, Bob
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 29, 2006 - 04:31pm PT
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Bill and Jim are back in Sonora now. Jim's playing doc and keeping Bill going, but also working, dealing with personal stuff, and trying to spend time with his three kids. Our support is still needed. We're starting work on a fundraiser to help with expenses. Probably in Bishop, in about six weeks. If you can help out now, please send your checks to the fund listed in Jim's post above. Thanks for your support.
-JD
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malabarista
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Mar 29, 2006 - 08:25pm PT
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Can anyone post a photo? His name rings a bell, but I can't place it. I lived in Tu-stoned from 1992-1997.
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Larry
Trad climber
Reno NV
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Mar 30, 2006 - 11:51pm PT
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I don't have any photos, but Bill's a skinny guy, not real tall. A big smile that you'll see a lot. As long as I've known him, he's had long straight hair, a ponytail.
The check's in the mail, Bill.
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 31, 2006 - 01:49pm PT
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Looking for a photo. Jim has a bunch, but no scanner.
If you've stopped at TPR in the last couple years, Bill was the friendly guy with the big smile, glasses, often worked the register. Not sure what he did in Tuscon.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
one pass away from the big ditch
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bump
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 5, 2006 - 01:35am PT
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Thought I'd give this a bump. Thanks to all those who have contributed. Tonight, members of the Rock Ice and Mountain Club in Santa Rosa made significant donations at their monthly meeting. On behalf of Bill, Thanks guys!
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2006 - 02:06pm PT
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What a crazy season this is turning out to be. There is so much snow and wild conditions. It's no wonder all sorts of bizarre events and accidents are happening.
I had a chance to spend the evening with Bill and Jim the other night and heard the story first hand. Wow. I just can't believe he's alive. You guys really have to hear him tell it. Bill is alive but far from recovered. It will be a long process and the current hospital bill is staggering.
Thanks to those who have sent your support. If you would like to help out, come to the upcoming event in Bishop. Justin Black at Mountain Light Gallery has graciously offered their space for the evening of June 3d. Details are still being worked out and confirmed. We are already receiving gear and equipment donations from all kinds of stores and manufacturors for an auction. Looks like a great evening, supporting a great cause. If you would like to donate auctions item please let me or Martha know. More info to come...
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10b4me
Ice climber
The Happies
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check's in the mail. I am bummed though. can't make the fundraiser as I had previous plans to be in the backcountry that weekend.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Apr 10, 2006 - 05:58pm PT
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bump
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 15, 2006 - 03:21pm PT
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bump
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JuttaKarin
Social climber
Gheen, Mn
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Wow, Jean did not tell me how really bad it was, just that it was bad. I thank God that He was protecting Bill during that time. I haven't seen Bill in almost 25 years, but I still think so highly of him and he holds a very special place in my heart and will always. I will do whatever I can to help him at this time. And I will continue to pray for him.
Love Always,
Karin
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Onceaclimber,always
Sport climber
tucson,AZ
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Nov 18, 2007 - 03:12pm PT
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My amazing big brother, Bill, is here in Tucson visiting. I am thankful daily that he has recovered so well from his accident (altho his shoulder will forever look like a bumbleball)
Jerry, so good to see you, your studio, and meet your darling wife last spring.
Jaminjimi, you rock!
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| Messages 1 - 28 of total 28 in this topic |
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