Chad Kellogg Killed by Rockfall.

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Messages 1 - 76 of total 76 in this topic
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 15, 2014 - 09:29pm PT
I got the call from a close friend just now, and am crying my eyes out. I am in such shock - I think he said Fitz Roy.

Chad was a good friend, an amazing spirit.

So glad I got to see his slideshow in Pasadena last year, after not seeing him for 15 years.

RIP my mountain-loving friend - you will be missed by many.

GOD DAMN IT!!!!! AAAARGGGGHHHH!





.

FRUMY

Trad climber
Bishop,CA
Feb 15, 2014 - 09:52pm PT
Sorry to hear this. RIP
Ham and Eggs

Mountain climber
Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Feb 15, 2014 - 09:56pm PT
Damn. Though what a life.
Having also had to process the loss of Lara. Colon Cancer. Joe Puryear
Peter Haan

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:00pm PT
I am sorry E. Chad looks terrific; what a smile too.
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:05pm PT

Condolences to his family and friends.
wayne w

Trad climber
the nw
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:16pm PT
I was just thinking about Joe the other day, and now Chad is gone as well. Very, very sad news.

Condolences to Chad's family.
bluering

Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:29pm PT
God bless him.

Too much bad news this year. Rest in peace, Chad.
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:31pm PT
Eric...I am so sorry. Especially after a reunion, I can only imagine the expectations you had to do more catch up with him.

Susan
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:35pm PT
So sorry to read this. I didn't know this person but how can it be anything but heartbreaking and tragic. My condolences to his freinds and family.
couchmaster

climber
pdx
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:37pm PT
Wow, sorry to see this report. Great climber, was out there on the skill level few of us even see. Condolences to all of his loved ones and friends, sad.
mikeyschaefer

climber
Yosemite
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:38pm PT
This f*#king sucks. I just spent the last month with Chad in Patagonia. I've know him since the late 90's and always respected his dedication to the passion he pursued. If we all could live a life with such dedication the world would surely be a better place. And without Chad I know my world is missing something. He was a true brother in the world of alpine climbing.
this just in

climber
north fork
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:42pm PT
RIP. Good thoughts to you misterE and all who knew him.
paganmonkeyboy

climber
mars...it's near nevada...
Feb 15, 2014 - 10:42pm PT
No !

My condolences to the family and friends..

Sorry Eric...that is so sad...>>HUG<<

-Tom
Captain...or Skully

climber
Feb 15, 2014 - 11:03pm PT
That Could happen to any one of us, at anytime. Heads up, eh? How many things have whizzed past you a time or two?
I'm sorry your friend is gone. Sounds like we all lost one.
justthemaid

climber
Jim Henson's Basement
Feb 15, 2014 - 11:23pm PT
Well, this was horrible news to come home to.

I'm so happy we made it to that slideshow. E. got to see his friend. Laugh and talk and see pics of Chad's latest adventures. The man was living life to it's fullest for sure. Just make me realize it doesn't matter how young or talented or smart or amazing you are ( as Chad was obviously all those things)...a rock or random accident can take you out at any time. I feel very blessed to have had that small contact with him.

Peace to Chad and his friends and family. He will be missed.
MarkWestman

Trad climber
Talkeetna, Alaska
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:29am PT
One of the most driven and courageous persons I've ever known. A great friend and climbing partner who affected my life deeply, but my words are inadequate right now.

To my brother.
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:40am PT
Ditto, Happiegrrl's sentiments.

yogeshkumar

Ice climber
Redmond WA
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:41am PT
RIP Chad. You'll be missed.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:50am PT
hey there say, mr E... this is terrible news... very sad to hear this...

i just got done being thankful that another gal, here, on another post, had her boyfriend saved from rockfall... and was hoping for others to have such good saves... and now,

so awful to read this, :O

my condolences to the family of chad and to his loved ones and prayers for you all, to be strong through this hard sad time, of going onward, without him, :(

very sorry, to hear this, again, Mr. E... :(
Batrock

Trad climber
Burbank
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:25am PT
E,

So, so sorry to hear this. This is a huge loss.

Kevin
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2014 - 02:12am PT
Before I go to sleep tonight - I just remembered.

At about 9:30 this morning in Reseda at work, there was a lull in traffic as I walked across the parking lot.


Just then, a hawk flew over the lot, and keened loudly at me twice - directly above me, then flew on without another sound.

Never had a single hawk fly over and make a sound without other birds pursuing it....
bpope

Trad climber
Sunnyvale, CA
Feb 16, 2014 - 03:30am PT
I first learned about Chad and his stories via the Dirtbag Diaries, and have since seen more of his goals and activities through the climbing media. Definitely an inspiration.

Condolences to all Chad's friends, family, and acquaintances. His legacy will live on.
Wayno

Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
Feb 16, 2014 - 03:37am PT
RiP Chad Kellogg.

Peace to you Eric.

Hawks beckon.

The circle completes itself.
Norwegian

Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
Feb 16, 2014 - 05:29am PT
i send regards, sympathy and empathy, eric.

it never makes any sense, these things.
i guess just embrace non-sense now.
and cherish those past successes that
chad enjoyed, and that you two authored together.

f*#k-off, rockfall.
if you ever come near me, ah'll bust you into
a worthless sand that neither the pacific
nor the atlantic will hire.
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Feb 16, 2014 - 07:12am PT
My condolences to his friends and family,
Sounds like he made the most of his time here.
Bargainhunter

climber
Feb 16, 2014 - 07:27am PT
Tragic. Use to run into him and Lara (before they were married) and crew in the Cascades backcountry often in the 1990s. We joked about how we kept finding each other on the same alpine routes on different weekends, must have been going through the same tick list....It was cool to hear about his progression to the big peaks and speed records, etc.

I was sad to hear about Lara on Wake Peak, now this. Be careful out there!
rolo

climber
Feb 16, 2014 - 09:40am PT
Just to make sure the facts are accurate when reported:

Over two days Chad Kellogg and Jens Holsten climbed the Afanassieff Route on the NW ridge of Cerro Fitz Roy in southern Patagonia, reaching the summit in the late afternoon of February 14th. They then started the long descent via the Supercanaleta. While pulling down their ropes, on the third rappel down, one of them got stuck. As they pulled to retrieve it the rope dislodged a block which hit Chad. He died instantly. It was 9PM. Jens continued the descent alone through the night, reaching the base early in the morning to then continue to El Chalten, the nearest town. Because of the complexities of the location a body recovery will not be attempted.

The world will undoubtedly be much poorer without him.

Godspeed Chad
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2014 - 09:47am PT
Thanks for the clarification, Rolo - I got the distraught call from Chris last night and was distraught myself.
Crag Q

Trad climber
Louisville, Colorado
Feb 16, 2014 - 09:51am PT
Very sad news. May he rest in peace.
Peips

Sport climber
Ketchum Idaho
Feb 16, 2014 - 11:48am PT
Petey Justpetey I just heard...there is nothing to say that will express how we all feel about having had Chad in our lives so I am just going to say thank you and I hope we meet again on the other side, you made my life a more funner place:)
MX

Trad climber
Bellevue, WA
Feb 16, 2014 - 11:59am PT
This is terrible news indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with Chad's family and close friends. Last night, at a climber's gathering in Seattle (Steve Swenson's 60th birthday party), there was a moment of silence for Chad. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. RIP, Chad.
Blakey

Trad climber
Sierra Vista
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:38pm PT
A vary sad business. The mountains are our love, but can be a cruel mistress.

Condolences to Chad's family and friends.

Steve
Jared

Gym climber
2001 Toyota
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:50pm PT
I did not know Chad well, or barely at all, but two years ago, after another rockfall death in Patagonia, Chad's kind words and understanding helped me begin to process that event. And they have stayed with me through repeated trips into that arena and beyond. RIP Chad. You will be missed.
stick it

climber
Feb 16, 2014 - 12:58pm PT
Gregory Crouch

Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:03pm PT
Terrible news. A tremendous loss to the climbing community.

Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
KDD

climber
bishop
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:03pm PT
I was just climbing laughing and living life with chad in Patagonia. I am broken scared and empty at the loss of my friend. May you be happy and content

Gator

Trad climber
Yosemite Valley
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:08pm PT
I collected a few photos from our days working together as climbing rangers on Mount Rainier out of Camp Schurman. We spent two summers running up and down (as often as possible and often with a snowboard on our backs for a speedy descent) that mountain. Many rescues, many recoveries - thankfully, we mostly had a tremendous time playing and working in the mountains. It was an amazing crew. Chad, David Gottlieb, Joe Puryear, Mark Westman, Lara Kellogg, Dee Patterson and Stoney Richards and Mark Ronca.

Leggs

Sport climber
Made in California
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:12pm PT
Just then, a hawk flew over the lot, and keened loudly at me twice - directly above me, then flew on without another sound.

Never had a single hawk fly over and make a sound without other birds pursuing it....


I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Erik...

Peace to you and the many others who knew this fine man.


~lisa mae
Philippe

Trad climber
nederland, co
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:26pm PT
Chad was a true alpinist. I had the great fortune of helping him on his solo triple ascent of the DC on Rainier and his roundtrip Paradise to White River a few summers ago. Tracking him over 36 hrs and 27000 vertical feet was an inspiration. That man was driven!! The climbing world has lost another great climber-he will be missed!!
spaceman3

Trad climber
B'ham, WA
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:27pm PT
RIP Chad, you will be missed. o9

Dirtbaglawyer

Mountain climber
Seattle, Wa
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:29pm PT
I was lucky to go on a couple of expeditions with Chad. I posted some pictures and video on my blog for people who are interested. You can find it here: http://dirtbaglawyer.blogspot.com/2014/02/chad-kellogg.html

Plaidman

Trad climber
South Slope of Mt. Tabor, Portland, Oregon, USA
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:31pm PT
So sorry E. It is so hard to lose a friend. I think of the ones I've lost and remember them for and how they made my life richer. Seems that you shared a lot of good times.
All the best his family and friends.

Huge hug for you man.

Plaid
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:33pm PT
This sucks. F*#king sucks. Not just a climber but someones son, brother, friend... sucks.
Fritz

Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:39pm PT
I never knew him, but from reading the posts here, I see what a wonderful person he was.

Condolences to Chad's family and friends.

carolyn mollot

climber
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:41pm PT
Chad was a unique spirit. So sad. I was at Lara's funeral and now this. He died doing his passion. He will be missed. RIP.
Lambone

Big Wall climber
Ashland, Or
Feb 16, 2014 - 01:58pm PT
sad news :(
adikted

Boulder climber
Tahooooeeeee
Feb 16, 2014 - 02:46pm PT
I was fortunate to share a bunk with Chad last season in Chalten...he was a great person and an inspiration...it was an honor to share a rope at the crag with him..you will be deeply misses...

Greg Carlisle
goatboy smellz

climber
लघिमा
Feb 16, 2014 - 04:55pm PT
Aww foo, sorry for your lost friend E.
Always enjoyed his commentary. in the stratosphere.
Fletcher

Gym climber
A very quiet place
Feb 16, 2014 - 06:07pm PT
My heart goes out to you Eric, Mikey, Mike G. and all the others Chad touched. Peace, prayers, and feeling-with for all of you. Such sadness.

Eric
wbw

Trad climber
'cross the great divide
Feb 16, 2014 - 06:30pm PT
Very sorry to hear this. Condolences to Chad's family and friends.

Chad and Joe were the only other guys camping at Stump Camp on the Ruth in 2006 when we were there. Great guys both of them. It makes me sad to know they're both gone.
10b4me

climber
Feb 16, 2014 - 07:05pm PT
was fortunate enough to see his show last year.
sad day. condolences to his family, and friends.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Feb 16, 2014 - 07:30pm PT
Sad news. Condolences to his family and friends. Sounds like he has plenty of both.
Fluoride

Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
Feb 16, 2014 - 10:32pm PT
This is a big loss to worldwide alpinism. Have followed his career and talents.

He had to overcome the loss of his wife in that '07 Ruth Gorge accident. Then got diagnosed with Colon Cancer which he successfully battled. Then lost friend and partner Joe Puryear. Had a lot of stuff to come back from and always did.

He and Jens had an AAC Mugs Stump award for a 2014 Karakoram project.

So sorry to hear.
Capt.

climber
some eastside hovel
Feb 16, 2014 - 10:41pm PT
Very sad indeed. I did not know Chad,but know plenty that bragged him up as a solid person and climber. RIP Chad.
redrocker

climber
NV
Feb 16, 2014 - 11:15pm PT
I copied the following excerpt from an article in Alpinist.com concerning the death of Chad Kellogg's friend and fellow alpinist Joe Puryear. The article was written by Mark Westman and posted on April 27, 2011.

I especially like what he writes in the last sentence of this passage. Given that Mark Westman was a close friend of Chad's also, I hope it's not out of line to say that the sentiment he expresses seems appropriate to this tragedy as well.



"It will be said of Joe, as it has been said of so many others before him, that he "died doing what he loved." While I understand what motivates this sentiment, I have come to detest the statement. Joe died falling from a mountain, and he did not love falling. Joe loved Michelle and their life together, and he had many more adventures still to do. He relished the thought of someday being an old, spent-up alpinist, surrounded by his close friends and reflecting on an illustrious life in the mountains. Joe understood and accepted the risks, but in no way did he want to die "doing what he loved." The tragic and unintended outcome, however, doesn't change the fact that Joe was very much living in his element. So the words of comfort I prefer--lacking any others--are that Joe lived doing what he loved."

http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web11s/wfeature-joe-puryear-obituary



My condolences to the family and friends of Chad Kellogg.



Truthdweller

Trad climber
San Diego, CA (stuck in Jersey)
Feb 16, 2014 - 11:28pm PT
Amen
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2014 - 11:48pm PT
This was just posted by our friend August from the memories of the UW Wall where we all met:

It must have been sometime around 1994 or so...maybe my dates are off it doesn't matter. This kid showed up down at the climbing rock. Jeff Robertson and I were there and met this kid with burly, tough-looking strong arms and a really rough looking face with a set jaw. He came right up and started hanging out with us. He was just learning to rock climb. He gravitated to Jeff and I because he immediately recognized that we were some crazy f*cks. That kid was Chad Kellogg. We liked him too because there were so few kids that showed up down there and even better when a really crazy one showed up we loved it. He explained to us that he was on the Olympic luge team and he told us that yes, you absolutely could jump off the Montlake bridge. He had done it several times. He taught us how to hold your arms when you jump so as to not break your humerus bone. We loved this new kid.... he was ROUGH. And it was pretty obvious that he was DRIVEN.
I gradually found my way out of climbing. Injuries took their toll and I started to lose trust in myself. I lost touch with many people along the way but still kept within the core circle the original kids that we used to climb with at the rock. The rock bound so many of us together and forged lifelong bonds.
One day just a few years ago, I got a friend request on Facebook from none other than the world famous climber Chad Kellogg. He wrote a little note with his friend request that said something like "Hey August, it's Chad.I don't know if you remember me but I met you down at the rock with Jeff Robertson. I always admired you guys and how hard you guys were climbing and how crazy you guys were...." or something like that anyways. It made me smile. Here was Chad, world famous climber reaching out to me and paying some respect for some boulder problems I did at the climbing rock almost 20 years ago. That was Chad though. Always humble to his core. It had been forever since I had seen him and I looked at his facebook profile and saw a picture of him and his rough looking face with the set jaw and my mind was transported back to that day when the kid with the rough looking face and burly arms taught Jeff and I that, yes, it was OK to jump off the Montlake bridge.
Sometimes I regret never having made that jump. I doubt I ever will but I am glad I have the memory of Chad's spirit in my head. I am very glad that I had a chance to exert some of my own influence on him when he was new to climbing. Much as I am very glad that I was able to exert some of my influence on you as well Chris. Never forget that trip that you and I and Jeff and Rich made up to Squamish. I remember it was your first climbing trip and when you saw what Jeff and I were up to, you made a decision on the spot that altered the rest of your life. It doesn't matter what you do, just be in it fully. Cross your damn arms like you are giving yourself a hug if you ever decide to jump off that damn Montlake bridge.
Chad would go....
Fluoride

Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
Feb 17, 2014 - 12:18am PT
Eric, sorry to hear how this is personal for you.

Damn. Such a loss.
Lollie

Social climber
I'm Lolli.
Feb 17, 2014 - 05:02am PT
I'm sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Did he have another name here on Supertopo?
justthemaid

climber
Jim Henson's Basement
Feb 17, 2014 - 09:19am PT
Thanks for the link Dirtbag. Nice job putting the blog together.
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Feb 17, 2014 - 09:22am PT
Damn...this sucks! Such a great guy, condolences to all of his loved ones.
kaholatingtong

Trad climber
Nevada City
Feb 17, 2014 - 09:44am PT
RIP.
o-man

Social climber
Paia,Maui,HI
Feb 17, 2014 - 09:17pm PT
This sad news has been coming to me from all directions.
A powerful energy has passed and will be missed and long remembered by all that loved and knew him and those like me that wish they had had the opportunity.
I also extend my condolences and aloha to his personal friends and family.
With much respect,
Olaf Mitchell
TheNobleSunfish

Mountain climber
Pasadena, CA
Feb 17, 2014 - 09:50pm PT
Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Caltech alpine club. It was an honor to have Chad visit us last year and he'll be missed. From the conversations I had with him, I was impressed by how unburdened he seemed by many of the worries most people carry, and he'll always remain an inspiration to me. -Patrick

I just found this photo from his slideshow in Pasadena on my phone:
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 17, 2014 - 10:11pm PT
Patrick, so glad you guys put this together - it was a great show, and I got to see a good friend again.

Funny, I just wrote this today...

I hadn't seen Chad in over 15 years, and finally caught up with him 11 months ago at his Pasadena slideshow. He was happy to see me, almost deferential - I laughed a little at that - classic understated Chad. We hung out for a while and caught up, and one thing I will never forget that he noticed: How happy Skip and I are together - he really got the connection. I was so happy to have him recognize our love, it was just the strength of his spirit to see that so quickly. Goodbye my friend, you lived so hugely, and will be hugely missed.

Edit: Thanks Dirtbaglawyer - that was just the thing to cheer an aching heart...
Gagner

climber
Boulder
Feb 17, 2014 - 10:12pm PT
This sucks - RIP Chad.....
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
Feb 17, 2014 - 10:40pm PT
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those tonight that grieve for this special man, a respected figure in our climbing community. Losing someone we care about is like losing a piece of the very fabric of our lives. Their life leaves a vacuum in our own. A gap, which some how the entire spectrum of life must readjust to.

Peace, Healing and Hope to each of you.

Lynne
Gene

climber
Feb 18, 2014 - 08:45am PT


Chad in the New York Times...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/18/sports/chad-kellogg-a-speed-climbing-pioneer-dies-at-42.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140218

g
feralfae

Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical adventure
Feb 18, 2014 - 12:46pm PT
My condolences to Chad's family and friends.
Sad news for us all.

Kind regards,
feralfae
MisterE

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 19, 2014 - 12:25am PT
Heartfelt feelings out to family and friends - and a great KUOW listen that speaks volumes about Chad:

http://kuow.org/post/remembering-chad-kellogg-it-was-honor-climb-him

Thanks to Tim Matsui for the link.
shipoopoi

Big Wall climber
oakland
Feb 19, 2014 - 12:41am PT
this is totally tragic. from someone who has personally barely escaped rockfall death in patagonia, there seems to be no rhyme or reason why some die and others live. at least his partner survived, the silver lining. my condolences to all chad's family and friends. ss
Big Mike

Trad climber
BC
Feb 19, 2014 - 04:05am PT
Bummer E. Sad to hear this news.

Condolences to family and friends.
Jared

Gym climber
2001 Toyota
Feb 19, 2014 - 10:28am PT
Death is inevitable, Living is not. Here is to living life the way we need to and the way we choose.
So the words of comfort I prefer--lacking any others--are that Joe lived doing what he loved."

JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
Feb 19, 2014 - 02:22pm PT
Seems like he was a great guy, sorry for your loss MisterE, and for his friends and family.
ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber
ne'er–do–well
Jun 1, 2016 - 10:57pm PT
bump
MisterE

Gym climber
Small Town with a Big Back Yard
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 1, 2016 - 11:20pm PT
It's a world of Meh.

The ones we lose, those close to us -

those that inspire us and bring us closer to our yearnings,

our dreams...

They remind us of of how we will be thought of when we pass.

Bring your best, People.

Thanks for the bump BIOTCH
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