Tahquitz rescue 5-17-2013

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looking sketchy there...

Social climber

Latitute 33

May 18, 2013 - 04:40pm PT

Very tragic news. As many have pointed out, this could have happened to any of us, and recriminations are pointless.

I am very sorry for both you and Lucas that a fine Spring day at Tahquitz turned so out so terribly. Know that others are there for you and Lucas' family.

spenchur

climber

Flagstaff/Thousand Oaks

May 18, 2013 - 04:50pm PT

I was just discussing sketchy rappels of my past with some friends and only while talking about them did I realize how sincerely dangerous those situations were, flipping upside down on the end knots in order to clip a single bolt at a hanging belay and rapping off the ropes end to "safety".

GDavis, I am so sorry to hear this tragedy. I can only send positive vibes and my condolences, but I know that just like you, I will be making sure that I refresh myself on the self rescue and worst case scenario medical response. Tonight I will have a beer in memory of your fallen brother, and to your incredible strength to relay this story to the community. I shed a tear or two while reading this and personally could not see myself having the composure you seem to have in this situation. Keep on keepin' on, bring your friends memory to the high points of your future climbing along with you.

Cheers,
Spencer C.

JEleazarian

Trad climber

Fresno CA

May 18, 2013 - 05:03pm PT

Lynne posted about this tragedy on Facebook. I am so sorry, Greg. Lots of prayers for you, Lynne, and everyone else who knew him.

John

Park Rat

Social climber

CA, UT,CT,FL

May 18, 2013 - 05:06pm PT

I'm so sorry to read your account of this accident.

It's tragic when something like this happens to someone so young, with so much life ahead of him.

There are no words that can console, or explain such a tragedy.

Patrick Sawyer

climber

Originally California now Ireland

May 18, 2013 - 05:11pm PT

Condolences to family and friends, that's all I can say.

ATS

climber

Mountain Project

May 18, 2013 - 05:14pm PT

Just found out from Lynn on FB. Hang in there Greg.

GDavis

Social climber

SOL CAL

Topic Author's Reply - May 18, 2013 - 05:16pm PT

I added a photo of Lucas from our trip up Mt. Russell in 2011. I can only find pictures of him with a goofy grin - he wore it proudly. Bill, feel free to use that photo in the original post.

GDavis

Social climber

SOL CAL

Topic Author's Reply - May 18, 2013 - 05:22pm PT

With him at the belay I felt invincible. I miss you so much.

Alois

Trad climber

Idyllwild, California

May 18, 2013 - 05:33pm PT

So sorry to hear that a young man perished.

Like many said here before, this could have happened to us.

Rapping is so dangerous.

Pen and I were sitting on our deck when the chopper started to circle above the rock. We always feel so terrible when we hear that sound, it's not a good sign, ever.

We think of you GDavis.

pyro

Big Wall climber

Calabasas

May 18, 2013 - 05:40pm PT

sorry bro! my condolences to the family.

craig mo

Trad climber

L.A. Ca.

May 18, 2013 - 05:44pm PT

my heart goes out to all that loved him. Rest in peace

steve west

Trad climber

Newport Beach

May 18, 2013 - 05:45pm PT

This just hurts so much . Lucas had a.crush on my daughter and we.would cross paths many times in idy. He was. So good . I wanted to adopt him the son I never had.
M
My heart goes out to his mom and.dad.

Stay strong. Greg.

Earl Fisher

Social climber

Santa Monica, Ca 90402

May 18, 2013 - 05:54pm PT

Dear Greg,

Lucas was the son of two dear friends of ours, Al and Kathy Dunn.

His death is devastating for the family. You did all that you could. We never know when life will be taken away. As you said, we all must live in honor of Lucas and treat all people with love, all the time.

Earl and Carol Fisher

SCseagoat

Trad climber

Santa Cruz

May 18, 2013 - 06:00pm PT

Absolutely heart breaking.

Lynnie, yesterday on another thread you wrote this to me

The serendipity......packing up for TPR today I had a soul feeling I could not identify or define. It make me uneasy all morning as I packed up all the stuff that would make my yurt "cozy home" for the next 4+ months.

Tying the kayaks on top the van I realized I was sad. I've never be sad packing for TPR, stressed perhaps, but Never sad.

I'm not surprised you, and your open soul, felt this on what turned into a tragic day.

Greg, A dear friend and climbing partner lost,
And Lynnie, a co worker who could have been a son,

Inexplicable

Susan

climber

I'm a Norwegian stuck in Joshua Tree

May 18, 2013 - 06:03pm PT

For those of you that did not know Lucas, he is the one on the left and Greg (GDavis) is on the right in Greg's photo.

Thank you Greg for posting this photo, - both of you with goofy grins.

Hilde

bajaandy

climber

Escondido, CA

May 18, 2013 - 06:13pm PT

Greg... oh man, Greg... I don't know what to say. So terribly sorry to hear this. Lucas was such a cool kid. I simply can't imagine this happening. I know you've got family and friends to support you right now, but in the coming days if you need an ear to bend, or a drink, or anything... let me know. So terrible. So sad. God speed Lucas. Stay strong Greg.
-Andy

Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber

moving thru

May 18, 2013 - 06:20pm PT

I too am thinking of and praying for Lucas's wonderful parents. They came into the shop at least twice when I was working and I told them what a wonderful son they had and how much I enjoyed working with him. (I don't think I was telling them anything they had not realized for quite some time.)

Their loss is (for many) beyond comprehension. The pain and grief sharp, at times severe and enervating. I hope they have close family and friends that can help them in all the ways they will need during this time. If I can be of any help, please let me know. Lynne

Edit: Thanks Baja Andy.