Colorado Climber killed in Cordillera Blanca area

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Fogarty

climber

BITD

Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 14, 2014 - 04:52pm PT

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Messages 1 - 6 of total 6 in this topic

Fogarty

climber
BITD

Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 14, 2014 - 02:35pm PT
I have a friend in my office who came to me today, to tell me about her friends son Cole Kennedy. He is out with partner John Collins, Climbing Artesoraju in the Cordillera Blanca area. Coles mom received a call from the state department that her son is gravely injured and a by foot rescue is out and will take a day and a half to reach them, due to weather. A distress signal was sent out by the climber Saturday. Any info or up dates I would appreciate it. To any friends of the Colorado team and our community, let's bring as much help and positive energy we can.

Stay Strong,

Mike Fogarty

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labrat

Trad climber
Auburn, CA

Jul 14, 2014 - 02:44pm PT
Good thoughts going South. What a trying phone call to get :-(

TYeary

Social climber
State of decay

Jul 14, 2014 - 02:53pm PT
My thoughts are with those on Arteson and family and friends.
I hope I was helpful Mike.
TY

dirt claud

Social climber
san diego,ca

Jul 14, 2014 - 02:54pm PT
Praying for the best outcome possible. Hope all turns out as best as can be.

Fogarty

climber
BITD

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 03:20pm PT
text to me from Jenna:)

Hi Mike, I can't thank you enough for putting out the word. This is Cole Kennedy's climbing partner, John Collis. Cole's parents have heard nothing except that the rescue climbers know where the ping came from. They think Artesanraju. Karen and Jim Kennedy can be reached at karenkennedy@comcast.net or (303)929-2947. If anyone has any more info. Bless you for helping!!! Janna

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Fogarty

climber
BITD

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 03:46pm PT
Tony Yeary Thank You. Tony has contacted Ted with SKYLINE the best team for the job. Tony gave me the info and Cole's parents have contacted Ted. As i write this the best qualified team will be out on a rescue for the injured climbers. The team could be at base camp by midnight, and out on the peak at first light. The family and all appreciate your contacts and help. God speed to the SAR team and Cole & John. Hang tough guys help is on its way.

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Messages 1 - 6 of total 6 in this topic

labrat

Trad climber

Auburn, CA

Jul 14, 2014 - 04:55pm PT

Sad news ;-(
Good thoughts to family and friends.....
Erik

Fogarty

climber

BITD

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 04:55pm PT

I Just received info from Cole's parents that he died from his fall. it is now a body recovery.
My condolence go out to his family and partner John. Thanks again Tony & Ted we were on it.
RIP

crankster

Trad climber

Jul 14, 2014 - 05:56pm PT

Sad news. My condolences.

Crimpergirl

Sport climber

Boulder, Colorado!

Jul 14, 2014 - 07:17pm PT

Terrible. Condolences to his family and others who love him.

johnboy

Trad climber

Can't get here from there

Jul 14, 2014 - 07:24pm PT

As always, my most sincere condolences go out to all of his family and many friends.

Kalimon

Social climber

Ridgway, CO

Jul 14, 2014 - 07:54pm PT

Sincerest good thoughts to Cole's family and friends.

Fogarty

climber

BITD

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 15, 2014 - 09:47am PT

I had a tough night not sleeping, and when I did I had fabulous dream about a wonderful outcome to this. I than woke and it was just a dream of hope. I wish a safe return to John Collins his partner. Here are a few photos of Cole from his Facebook page living the dream.
RIP.

James Kennedy

Ice climber

Castle Pines

Jul 15, 2014 - 10:37am PT

I am Cole Kennedy's father. I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and show of support. The climbing community can be a small and tight knit group in times like this. While my family is devastated we are trying our best to focus on what a great person Cole was and how he died doing what he loved most in a very beautiful part of the world.

To be clear John Collis, Cole's partner is safe and OK. Our family thanks him for being a great friend and climbing partner to Cole over the years. The pictures above are of Cole climbing taken by John. Cole and John were climbing Piramide de Garcilaso also called Piramede Blanca.

I especially wanted to thank Ted Alexander for the help and emotional support he has shown our family. When I have time I will try to post more pictures of Cole's climbing thru the years.

ClimbingOn

Trad climber

Jul 15, 2014 - 10:56am PT

My sincere condolences. Very sorry that this happened.

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Jul 15, 2014 - 11:14am PT

James...I have a small inkling of what you are going through. I lost a son when he was twenty years old. Contact me if you wish. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Seamstress

Trad climber

Yacolt, WA

Jul 15, 2014 - 11:18am PT

THere are no words to convey how sorry we are for your loss. As a parent, I can not imagine the grief of my child's death. You are in my prayers.

micronut

Trad climber

Fresno/Clovis, ca

Jul 15, 2014 - 11:35am PT

James,

I never knew your son, but grief overwhelms me when I hear of a fallen climber, and it is magnified when I hear from a parent. I'm a lifelong climber and a father of four and I cannot imagine your pain. May you find solace, comfort and camaraderie in the climbing community as you process and navigate your loss. My sincerest condolences.

Scott

survival

Big Wall climber

Terrapin Station

Jul 15, 2014 - 11:40am PT

So sorry to read about this.

TYeary

Social climber

State of decay

Jul 15, 2014 - 01:14pm PT

So sad. Condolences to family and friends.
I was so hoping for a different outcome, but it was not to be.
Thanks to my friend Ted Alexander at Skyline in Huaraz for being there , once again.
Peace to you all......

TY

7SacredPools

Trad climber

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Jul 15, 2014 - 01:47pm PT

I can think of nothing worse than losing a child. So sorry for your loss.
For all of its brilliance climbing also holds the darkest side.

skcreidc

Social climber

SD, CA

Jul 15, 2014 - 01:56pm PT

I can't anything to say that hasn't already been said. My condolences to you and your family James. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. RIP Cole

neebee

Social climber

calif/texas

Jul 15, 2014 - 02:01pm PT

hey there say, all... James kennedy and family, and loved ones of cole...

very sad to hear this ... very sad...
my deep condolences to you, and to your sons's loved ones...
prayers for you to be strong, as you hold dear, the memories, and share
the wonders of your son, and his life, and all those special things that he did...