Discussion Topic |
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chappy
Social climber
ventura
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May 17, 2015 - 01:20pm PT
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Unbelievable. I thought he might be one who made it. He was so on top of and into what he was doing. He loved his life and life in general as much as anyone I have ever met. Our world, my world will never be the same. I will carry his spirit with me every where I go and in everything I do...
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Burt
Social climber
Angelus Oaks, Ca
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May 17, 2015 - 01:21pm PT
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F*#k BASE thats all.
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socalbolter
Sport climber
Silverado, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 01:22pm PT
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I heard about this sad news. Anyone have details?
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rodermck
Social climber
san jose ca.
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May 17, 2015 - 01:50pm PT
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So unbelievable i'm having a hard time coming to grips with it even though i have know that this could happen but one thinks he was a superman and beyond this happening to one of the greats like him. To me it was a great shock and still trying to process it. Send out by sympathy to his family, friends and all who know him and love him. He will be missed but not for gotten by the ones who know and may he RIP!!!..
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MisterE
Gym climber
Being In Sierra Happy Of Place
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May 17, 2015 - 01:52pm PT
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That is just terrible news - so sad.
RIP Dean - you had an amazing life, lived on your own terms.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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May 17, 2015 - 01:53pm PT
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DAMN!!!
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Gagner
climber
Boulder
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May 17, 2015 - 01:54pm PT
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Wow - unfrickin believable - so sad - RIP.....
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bob
climber
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May 17, 2015 - 01:55pm PT
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RIP
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karodrinker
Trad climber
San Jose, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 01:56pm PT
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I want this to be a hoax so badly. If it's not, may he be at peace in whatever awaits us all.
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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May 17, 2015 - 01:57pm PT
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shit man! sad day
RIP Dean Potter
RIP Graham Hunt
Bad day
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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May 17, 2015 - 02:01pm PT
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im sorry..
RiP Dean, and, Grant. . .
it was Grant who?
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brotherbbock
Trad climber
Alta Loma, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 02:04pm PT
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RIP Dean Potter...you were a badass.
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Porkchop_express
Trad climber
Springdale, UT
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May 17, 2015 - 02:09pm PT
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This is awful news. RIP Dean, definitely a legend and a big inspiration to me.
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ClimbingOn
Trad climber
NY
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May 17, 2015 - 02:11pm PT
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RIP Dean. Very sad news.
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mwatsonphoto
Trad climber
Culver City, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 02:17pm PT
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Wow. I feel gutted. I really hope this isn't true.
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Sheehan
Trad climber
Oakland, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 02:21pm PT
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RIP. His legend will live on
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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May 17, 2015 - 02:23pm PT
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My sincere condolences,
Dean was an inspiration, Sad.
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Moabcanyon
Trad climber
Moab
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May 17, 2015 - 02:27pm PT
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Please take time to at least get your facts straight before rushing to be the first to post something first before anyone else. First off his name was not Grant. Second, many of the family and close friends still needs to be contacted and reading a post on Super Topo would not be how I would like to find out about a family member dying. As someone who knew them both fairly well and cared for them deeply, I think this is a really disrespectful way to discuss what happened last night. When more information is open to the public, there will be plenty of discussions on this incident. Until then please be respectful.
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nathanael
climber
CA
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May 17, 2015 - 02:31pm PT
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wow this can't be real :'(
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ebosuna
Trad climber
Guadalajara
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May 17, 2015 - 02:33pm PT
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En español hay un dicho...."Tanto va el cantaro al agua"...it was only a matter of time.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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May 17, 2015 - 02:34pm PT
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so was there another person involved : (
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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May 17, 2015 - 02:40pm PT
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so very sorry to hear this;......a very very sad day for us all.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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May 17, 2015 - 02:49pm PT
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For better or worse, when a public figure like Dean gets killed there is no containing the flood of information and misinformation, including those hoping to contain the flood for decorum's sake. There is no perfect way to disseminate bad news and ease the shock, which always prompts a moment of chaos. It's all part of being human, and we just lost a good one.
JL
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Juanito
Social climber
San Diego, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 02:57pm PT
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Aw f*#k. And basejumping no less. I'm starting to really not like that sport. Too many good people have been lost.
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canyoncat
Social climber
SoCal
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May 17, 2015 - 03:02pm PT
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Tragic. Condolences to their families.
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thekidcormier
Gym climber
squamish, b.c.
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May 17, 2015 - 03:10pm PT
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Fly free forever Dean!
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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May 17, 2015 - 03:12pm PT
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Sheesh! What a loss our tribe just suffered. RIP Dean and friend.
Deepest condolences to all family and close friends.
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BiletChick
Sport climber
Bishop, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 03:14pm PT
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Oh, what a kick in the gooch!!! Saw a post on Fidelman's FB page and started to wonder who...then I saw the Instagram comments :-( One of my favorite climbers...gone! So sad to hear and such a tragic loss for the climbing community! Dean, you will be missed! Condolences to your family and Whisper! So very sad today!
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Melissa
Gym climber
berkeley, ca
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May 17, 2015 - 03:21pm PT
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Guernica
climber
dark places
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May 17, 2015 - 03:26pm PT
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Man that is the sweetest thing ever, Weeg ^
So sorry to hear this. Second star to the right and straight on till morning, fellas.
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10b4me
Social climber
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May 17, 2015 - 03:28pm PT
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My condolences to Dean's family, and friends.
Also, condolences to the friends, and family of Graham Hunt.
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karabin museum
Trad climber
phoenix, az
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May 17, 2015 - 03:43pm PT
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Very very sad
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philo
Trad climber
Is that the light at the end of the tunnel or a tr
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May 17, 2015 - 03:46pm PT
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Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
This loss will be taken very hard by a great many people. Avoiding speculation and recriminations is well advised.
The details will come out in due process. Families will read what is posted here. Respectful decorum will be appreciated.
Feast in Peace.
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crankster
Trad climber
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May 17, 2015 - 03:48pm PT
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Sad, sad news.
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Tfish
Trad climber
La Crescenta, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 03:48pm PT
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F.I.P. Fly In Peace! Hopefully you are flying around in peace without all the bullshit from the rangers.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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May 17, 2015 - 04:03pm PT
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....)-;
Such Terrible news....It feels like a very gray sad day...
Sincere condolences to all of Dean's friends & Family..
[Click to View YouTube Video]
Much too young to leave this world...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Potter
Condolences to the family & friends of the other young man who died. i am sorry i do not know his correct name.
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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May 17, 2015 - 04:04pm PT
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I can't find the words to express my grief.
John
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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May 17, 2015 - 04:08pm PT
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This is really sad. feel it in the gut...
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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May 17, 2015 - 04:14pm PT
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gawd ... in disbelief . The man did incredible things .
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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May 17, 2015 - 04:20pm PT
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This sucks.A grey day indeed.I'm truly saddened on many levels.I just had a couple beers while watching hockey and said I was done for the day.Apparently I just started... RIP guys. Fly free.
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Sioux Juan
Big Wall climber
Costa mesa
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May 17, 2015 - 04:20pm PT
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see you soon Dean....................
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strangeday
Trad climber
Brea ca.
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May 17, 2015 - 04:26pm PT
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Sad day, and a huge loss. Condolences to all of the people who's lives he touched.
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overwatch
climber
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May 17, 2015 - 04:28pm PT
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Horrible news...what that last few seconds must be like...
Sorry to family and friends for what you are going through.
The link above doesn't work for me, did this happen in yosemite?
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jcory86
Big Wall climber
Grass Valley, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 04:30pm PT
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So so sad. We will miss a special human being.
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howdy
Social climber
Donner Lake
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May 17, 2015 - 04:42pm PT
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Such a kind, gentle soul.
This makes me incredibly sad.
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Gal
Trad climber
going big air to fakie
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May 17, 2015 - 04:48pm PT
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This is shocking punch in the gut, I've always admired him changing climbing and living free. I am very sad and sending condolences to all close family and friends of Dean and Graham. It just doesn't seem real. I would like to hear more about Graham - I have just edited this because I didn't know the info yet about Dean's partner. Dean & Graham shall soar above us all on a most beautiful flight of eternity....
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 04:51pm PT
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such sad news...
my thoughts go out to Dean's family and friends.
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katiebird
climber
yosemite
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May 17, 2015 - 04:53pm PT
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you know its not Graham Williams, his last name was Hunt
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Daphne
Trad climber
Northern California
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May 17, 2015 - 04:57pm PT
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Love and support to all grieving this loss here and everywhere. While I did not know Dean or Graham personally, I feel so impacted by this.
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ninjakait
Trad climber
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May 17, 2015 - 04:58pm PT
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Condolences to family and friends. This is indeed a loss to the community.
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Loco de Pedra
Mountain climber
Around the World
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May 17, 2015 - 05:01pm PT
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I also think very wrong to rush to ST to "be the first to post" and still provide wrong names and details. Lack of respect to say the least.
RIP. Dean huge inspiration forever.
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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May 17, 2015 - 05:02pm PT
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R.I.P. Dean Potter and partner.
Dean Potter you were an inspiration to many and your legend will live for a long time.
This link has some images of Potter living large at Taft Point.
http://www.prana.com/life/?p=1014
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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May 17, 2015 - 05:08pm PT
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I well remember Dean's infectious smile as he soloed past me and disappeared into the Narrows on the Steck Salathe a couple of years ago. He was always wild and free....maybe a bit of an anachronisim in today's overly structured world. I'm so sad to hear of his and his friend Graham's passing.
Condolences to their loved ones.
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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May 17, 2015 - 05:38pm PT
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Oh man. Terrible.
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slobmonster
Trad climber
OAK (nee NH)
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May 17, 2015 - 05:43pm PT
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Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Mexico City, D.F.
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May 17, 2015 - 06:01pm PT
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I've kept videos of Dean Potter on my iphone for years now, always there when I needed a jolt of inspiration.
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BrandonAdams
Big Wall climber
Yosemite, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 06:06pm PT
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Dean has been an inspiration to me over the years as I'm sure he was to many. A pure and free expression of life, an old spirit. After so much time on the edge he sort of assumed an invincibility in my mind. This is perhaps a lesson to us all.
What a sad day. FIP.
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dbumm
Trad climber
Glasgow
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May 17, 2015 - 06:09pm PT
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Rest well and in peace Dean and Graham, gravity no longer bounds you and there is a Valley to soar above and a sky to paint the deepest of blue...
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Erik Vance
Trad climber
Mexico City, DF
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May 17, 2015 - 06:13pm PT
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A legend has died. Everything else aside, let's all just mourn for a man who inspired us all to contemplate the impossible. Is it just me or is the world a little dimmer today?
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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May 17, 2015 - 06:18pm PT
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hey there say, all... oh my dear god... i just SAW this... shared from sue lacy, ... just got on line and saw this... and came here fast...
oh my, oh, dear family, i am so very very sorry to hear this...
very sad, my prayers and wishes of strength to you, at this hard sad time of loss... :O
:(
we are all in your corner, as best we can be...
dear dean, i did not know you, but i am thankful that i knew OF you, here at the taco... you will not be forgotten...
and to graham, as well, i am glad to have known you both, through way of the climbers that KNEW and loved you, both...
ps: dear ammon and gabe's mom:
i know you've been through some hard scares, too, thank you fro sharing
this awful news, with your 'titled post' here,
of something that touched your heart so deeply, and personal...
it is a sort of 'life line' when you can reach out to share with those that understand, here...
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 17, 2015 - 06:26pm PT
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Prayers for peace and healing balm for shocked and grieving hearts.
I did not know Dean well but on several occasions, visiting The Valley, I had some some great, thoughtful conversations with him. He was a special human being on many levels.
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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May 17, 2015 - 06:28pm PT
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"Like Icharus ascending on beautiful arms
Dreams, dreams and false alarms."
We all have dreams to fly. RIP Gentlemen.
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RP3
Big Wall climber
Twain Harte
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May 17, 2015 - 06:30pm PT
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Graham Hunt was one of the greatest warrior spirits I ever met. He excelled at every activity he ever tried: Climbing, BASE, firefighting, everything. Everybody's girlfriends had crushes on him. He had a beautiful soul.
We're gonna miss him.
Yeah, so long.
We wish you well.
Told us how you weren't afraid to die.
Well, so long.
Don't cry, yeah,
Or feel too down.
Not all martyrs see divinity.
But at least you tried.
-Tool (Graham's favorite band)
I can't stop the tears...
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RP3
Big Wall climber
Twain Harte
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May 17, 2015 - 06:34pm PT
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Here from the king's mountain view
Here from a wild dream come true
Feast like a sultan I do
On treasures and flesh, never few.
But I, I would wish it all away.
If I thought I'd lose you just one day.
The devil and his had me down,
In love with the dark side I'd found.
Dabble in all the way down
Up to my neck soon to drown.
But you changed that all for me.
Lifted me up, turned me round.
So I...
I...
I...
I...
I would
I would
I would
Wish this all away
Prayed like a martyr dusk to dawn.
Begged like a hooker all night long.
Tempted the devil with my song.
And got what I wanted all along.
But I,
And I would,
If I could,
And I would
Wish it away,
Wish it away,
Wish it all away,
Wanna wish it all away,
No prize that could hold sway,
Or justify my giving away,
My center.
So if I could I'd wish it all away.
If I thought tomorrow would take you away.
You're my peace of mind, my home, my center.
I'm just trying to hold on,
One more day.
Dim my eyes...
Dim my eyes...
Dim my eyes
If they should compromise
Our fulcrum
Wants and needs divide me then I might as well be gone.
Shine on forever.
Shine on benevolent sun.
Shine on upon the broken.
Shine until the two become one.
Shine on forever.
Shine on benevolent sun.
Shine on upon the severed.
Shine until the two become one.
Divided I'm withering away.
Divided I'm withering away.
Shine on upon the many, light our way
Benevolent sun.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
Breathe in union.
So as one survive.
Another day and season.
Silence, legion, save your poison
Silence, legion, stay out of my way.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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May 17, 2015 - 06:36pm PT
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Ah man. WTF.
Sincere condolences to the men's family and friends.
And to the two rangers.
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Rick Sylvester
Trad climber
Squaw Valley, California
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May 17, 2015 - 06:39pm PT
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A huge shock but not a surprise. The past few years most of the BASE jumping deaths have been related to wing suit usage. Dean had an amazing and incredible run. But as far as pushing limits, it's hard to dismount the back of the tiger. Man seeks his fate until it finds him.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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May 17, 2015 - 06:41pm PT
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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May 17, 2015 - 06:43pm PT
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I just saw him in Valley Uprising. . .
My sincere condolences to both Dean and Graham's family and friends. . .
So sad.
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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May 17, 2015 - 06:50pm PT
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Oh wow this is a stop u dead in your tracks for me.. I first met Dean about 25 yrs ago. I had no idea at the time he would become the King of the Final Exam then. What an inspiration he evolved into. Always upbeat when I spoke to him which was not often, every couple years or so. I so respected Deans vision of life and how it should lived. Dean was a true master of the highest form of Art,The Art of Living.
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rlf
Trad climber
Josh, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 07:00pm PT
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Sorry to hear this.
Let's keep our eye on the ball here folks. TWO PEOPLE died. Not just one.
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couchmaster
climber
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May 17, 2015 - 07:16pm PT
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Dean was such an uber mensch of heroic stature. Didn't know Graham but he must have been both a bad ass and a good guy to be hanging with Dean. Hard to believe anything could ever happen to Dean. To me: yes. To you: yes. To Dean, no - no way. The guy was on the next dimension and he had such a powerful presence on so many levels. Wow, condolences only begins to say it......hugs to his loved ones and those close to them both. Deans spirit will most assuredly be missed on this earth.
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westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
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May 17, 2015 - 07:20pm PT
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So sorry to hear this. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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May 17, 2015 - 07:30pm PT
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keep on flying high guys.
Condolences to the families and many many friends.
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Yvergenhauf
Trad climber
Portland, OR
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May 17, 2015 - 07:31pm PT
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So sad to hear. Dean was an inspiring individual. Condolences to friends and family.
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rick sumner
Trad climber
reno, nevada/ wasilla alaska
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May 17, 2015 - 07:39pm PT
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When continually pushing on the limits of the possible sooner or later one is confronted with the impossible.
Hopefully the pair don't have dependents that they are leaving behind.
Condolences to family and freinds.
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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May 17, 2015 - 07:48pm PT
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Sad news. Peace to their family, friends, and loved ones.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Colorado, Nepal & Okinawa
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May 17, 2015 - 07:54pm PT
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Katie Ives wrote a beautiful tribute she posted on Facebook that gives a glimpse of the inner Dean Potter as a generous person and friend.
https://www.facebook.com/katie.ives.94?fref=nf
RIP Graham and Dean.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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May 17, 2015 - 07:57pm PT
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These guys were living more in one day then most people live in a lifetime. Guys like Dean and Graham, I'm thinking they didn't really die, but just got promoted to the next level. Salute!
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Rankin
Social climber
Greensboro, North Carolina
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May 17, 2015 - 08:00pm PT
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So so sorry to hear this terrible news. RIP Dean and Graham.
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marty(r)
climber
beneath the valley of ultravegans
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May 17, 2015 - 08:02pm PT
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See you on the next world...
Also, a nice throwback piece from Alpinist 0.
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gonzo chemist
climber
the east coast, for now.
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May 17, 2015 - 08:13pm PT
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RIP Dean and Graham.
DP has been a big inspiration to me for these past twelve years I've been climbing. That guy was a master of so many disciplines.
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Mark Force
Trad climber
Ashland, Oregon
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May 17, 2015 - 08:21pm PT
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Only the idea of death makes a man sufficiently detached so he can't deny himself anything. A man of that sort, however, does not crave, for he has acquired a silent lust for life and for all things of life. He knows his death is stalking him and won't give him time to cling to anything, so he tries, without craving, all of everything.”
~ Carlos Castaneda, A Separate Reality
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SeaToSky
Mountain climber
Vancouver, BC
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May 17, 2015 - 08:29pm PT
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To Dean and Grant's friends and family...
I'm so sorry. My wife and I will be praying you as you grieve.
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bringmedeath
climber
la la land
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May 17, 2015 - 08:46pm PT
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So sad, Dean was an amazing person. Thank you for the memories. Fly free Dean!
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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May 17, 2015 - 09:01pm PT
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Fly High Dean. Enjoy the Greatest Epic of All. Blesses to those who will miss him.
Maybe growing old isn't for everyone
Peace and Love
Karl
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MESA97
climber
Newberg, OR
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May 17, 2015 - 09:08pm PT
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Prayers and condolences to family and friends. :)
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MikeL
Social climber
Seattle, WA
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May 17, 2015 - 09:11pm PT
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Peace.
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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May 17, 2015 - 09:11pm PT
|
Warriors both. A very sad day. My true condolences and heartfelt grief for those that knew them well.
Scott
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Kalimon
Social climber
Ridgway, CO
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May 17, 2015 - 09:12pm PT
|
"To be, or not to be, that is the question—
Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer
The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune,
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
And by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep—
No more; and by a sleep, to say we end
The Heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks
That Flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep,
To sleep, perchance to Dream; Aye, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There's the respect
That makes Calamity of so long life:
For who would bear the Whips and Scorns of time,
The Oppressor's wrong, the proud man's Contumely,
The pangs of despised Love, the Law’s delay,
The insolence of Office, and the Spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his Quietus make
With a bare Bodkin? Who would these Fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered Country, from whose bourn
No Traveller returns, Puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of.
Thus Conscience does make Cowards of us all,
And thus the Native hue of Resolution
Is sicklied o'er, with the pale cast of Thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment,
With this regard their Currents turn awry,
And lose the name of Action."
Shakespeare
Best of thoughts to these fine men and their loved ones.
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Andy Puhvel
climber
|
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May 17, 2015 - 09:24pm PT
|
He roamed our valley barefoot
A dirty earth loving gargantuan spirit
Unlike anyone you ever saw or met
He came to teach us true dedication
His job well done
Entering the Valley with a force never seen before
Potter grabbed the reins
And with his mythological abilities of focus
Achieved milestones one after another
The Big 3 in a day
The Big 2 free in a day
The Big 2 solo in a day
Constantly breaking barriers with his
Endless visionary artistry and drive
Nobody trained harder than Potter
Nobody was ever more badass
I remember the fun guy at the boulders
Young, driven, and fixed on his path
Larger than life, six foot six inches
Of intense mystical man
Today a great chief has passed
The ravens have welcomed him
Into their circle
As Yosemite’s tears
Run in long beautiful waterfalls
Down the face of Half Dome
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donald perry
Trad climber
kearny, NJ
|
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May 17, 2015 - 09:36pm PT
|
So sorry to hear this, this is very sad and bad news. I hope there is no more bad news this year, that the rest of will err on a more careful side. None of us is perfect, an accident can happen to anyone. My sincere condolences to his close friends and family.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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May 17, 2015 - 09:39pm PT
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sincerest condolences to friends and family
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mountain girl
Trad climber
Berkeley, CA
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May 17, 2015 - 09:43pm PT
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In shock, it hurts. Just saw him in Yosemite recently.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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May 17, 2015 - 09:44pm PT
|
So sorry. There are no words.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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May 17, 2015 - 10:02pm PT
|
So sorry, our tribe has such a tight knit that ripples smash through us pretty fast and often when these terrible things happen. Graham sounds like a wonderful character, how amazing it must have been to be able to share in the kind of awesome sh#t Dean does!
This one hurts, I grew up in climbing through watching Deans videos and their lifestyle, I feel we are all grown children trying to stay in that moment of adventure and exploration. I saw with how those guys lived, getting up before dawn to train then bouldering by the creek and working their ASSES off while having the time of their lives... I couldn't do it, like many, but gave it a good try. Some here still are chasing that childish spirit of adventure. Life is real and grown up, it beats you up and does shitty things to you, but YOU don't have to grow up.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
― A.A. Milne
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Jeff Gorris
climber
Not from, Portlandia
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:04pm PT
|
Really sad.
His free and courageous spirit will be missed.
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flyingkiwi1
Trad climber
Seattle WA
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:07pm PT
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The core of the core of the corps.
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Ward Trotter
Trad climber
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:29pm PT
|
My condolences to their many friends and family.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:30pm PT
|
Dean Potter and Graham Hunt died late Saturday after attempting a wingsuit flight from
Taft Point (no parachutes had been deployed).
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shady
Trad climber
hasbeen
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:35pm PT
|
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." (Confucius)
Courageously bittersweet for them to lose their lives in a celebration of life.
Peace to those who have held them close.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:40pm PT
|
I am deeply saddened by Dean's passing.
He showed us what was possible.
Legend.
We grieve together.
Condolences.
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Heisenberg
Trad climber
RV, middle of Nowehere
|
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May 17, 2015 - 10:59pm PT
|
It was early morning. All of the sudden we heard what was the sound of a jet. 3 BASE jumpers leaped from the summit of El Cap.
That morning I saw Dean and another person who I won't name and told him:
" Thank you for the wake up call "
He replied " I have no idea what your talking about " I told him I didn't either but I appreciated the alarm clock going off today.
They both smiled and drove away.
It was years later we met again... with me at the exit point.
Over the years Dean played a crucial role in my life. Never told him that until now. From reading the stories of his free solos, traveling from colorado to Yosemite at the last minute to do the link-up solo, the tripple link up, speed records and the list goes on.
Dean drew the public eye both in positive actions and negative (Delicate Arch) but with out a doubt he was one of the most talented and gifted human beings alive in the sport. Sometimes people don't always follow the herd of sheep. Dean was an eagle needing to soar to his own thermals.
To those of you who say " F*#K BASE " it's a comment made out of fear. Of which Dean didn't have. He lived his life out of love, Not fear as most people in this world do.
What if he died free soloing? Would you say " F*#K climbing? "
Wing Suit Proxy flying is beyond the comprehension of 99% of climbers on this forum just as free soloing is beyond the comprehension of 99% BASE jumpers.
WS proxy is a sub speciality of BASE in the same respect that free soloing is a sub speciality of climbing. Both are at levels of mental, physical and emotional skill that only a select few are capable of achieving.
He lived the life of the Samuri, close to the edge of the sword. I have a trememdous amount of respect and admiration for his intergity and committment to living a beautiful and amazing life filled with such love and energy.
Dean found the energy were all seeking. He lived the life he loved.
BSBD my friend. See you at the next exit point.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
|
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May 17, 2015 - 11:23pm PT
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Just saw you two monkeys last week, life is strange indeed... The memories and inspiration will live on...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dean loved telling stories about the great Samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi. These are Musashi quotes I picked out...
“Do not sleep under a roof. Carry no money or food. Go alone to places frightening to the common brand of men. Become a criminal of purpose. Be put in jail, and extricate yourself by your own wisdom.”
 Miyamoto Musashi, The Complete Book of Five Rings
“A thousand days of training to develop, ten thousand days of training to polish. You must examine all this well.”
― Miyamoto Musashi, The Complete Book of Five Rings
“There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, richer, stronger, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.
--Miyamoto Musashi, The Complete Book of Five Rings”
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
|
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May 17, 2015 - 11:24pm PT
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Terrible news.
My most sincere condolences to both of their
families and friends.
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mcreel
climber
Barcelona
|
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May 17, 2015 - 11:45pm PT
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RIP Dean and Graham. Dean was one of those rare people who inspire one to think and appreciate more deeply.
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tarallo
Trad climber
italy
|
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May 17, 2015 - 11:48pm PT
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I'm so sad i cryed, he was one of my hero...
RIP
andrea
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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May 17, 2015 - 11:51pm PT
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dan wisey
Mountain climber
England
|
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May 17, 2015 - 11:52pm PT
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RIP Dean and Graham, sad news
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
|
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May 18, 2015 - 12:21am PT
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Another forum member asked me for contact info today for someone that had had a mutual friend that died. They were from New Hampshire but it wasn't Dean Potter. Some other climber from New Hampshire also recently passed. My sincere condolences to all the family and friends. Strange day, indeed.
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Avery
climber
NZ
|
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May 18, 2015 - 12:37am PT
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Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Christina Georgina Rossetti
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Bullwinkle
Boulder climber
|
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May 18, 2015 - 12:45am PT
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bpope
climber
Sunnyvale, CA
|
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May 18, 2015 - 12:48am PT
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I'm not sure in what other "sport" we see our heroes and role models pass away while still pushing standards.
Condolences to all of Dean's and Graham's families, friends, and loved ones.
"I started realizing that maybe it wasn't me falling to my death that I was dreaming about as a little boy. Maybe it was me flying..." - Dean Potter, in the closing lines of "Fly or Die" (2010)
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
|
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May 18, 2015 - 03:30am PT
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To tHe Xream of our crop
My hart breaks for all
Just that same night I finally saw Valley Uprising!
Yikes boys and girls
We play with. A cruel pal
She takes so much, we take from her
But gravity kills
Passings and death as we approach the 25th of May had been in the cards .. .
Please be carful for the rest of your lives
But especially so for the next ten days?
Peace to us all -
they were the visionary's of peaceful flight. -
F. I. P.
And prayers of consolation tons of tears and healing, for every one.
Send a project in the memory of these great men
They represent the core , hart of STOKE,
Monkey eyes high!
Wayno? ?
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 18, 2015 - 03:33am PT
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I was at the crack house yesterday. After boulderng a while I went for a bike ride down the hill. As I came back up and passed the crack house again, I saw some people bouldering and a guy in an adaptive off-road Wheelchair rig who I later learned was part of the telluride adaptive sports crew. It made me think about Dean's frenetic video of climbing the crack house, and the one of him carrying a para climber who had just summited el cap down the east ledges.
Interesting and varied life, I thought.
When I got back to my car and loaded up my bike, I checked my phone and had a text of the tragic news.
RIP Dean and Graham
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OR
Trad climber
|
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May 18, 2015 - 04:39am PT
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UUUUgh. …Just saw this on the news. RIP boys. Awful
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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May 18, 2015 - 05:03am PT
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Don't know that much about it, Randisi, but at 100% fatality (at least for wingsuiters) I would be inclined to think it is!
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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May 18, 2015 - 05:05am PT
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zen and mania collide
within our hearts.
seek nothing one moment,
and the next moment
finds us balancing
everything on a dime edge.
stillness.
then speed.
contentedness.
then anxiety.
reclusiveness
and then lonliness.
life and then death.
did dean get the speed record for living?
or does the clock begin to wind backwards
and no longer is he chasing the wind,
instead he is dragging onward
when it wants to rest.
i don't know,
but i like the
way that he flung himself
through life when
he wasn't letting
life fling by.
our souls are ripe for
eating and life is just
a cave in which we hide
from aweful predators
like god and fear
and depression and hate
and, whatever.
thanks dean.
and thanks to
all of you other foolish geniuses
that guise this existence
so well.
i love this costume party.
and everyone in attendance.
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mooser
Trad climber
seattle
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May 18, 2015 - 05:59am PT
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What incredibly sad news to wake up to. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of Dean and Graham. If someone who only knew of them can feel this badly, I can only imagine what those who knew and loved them must be going through right now.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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May 18, 2015 - 06:01am PT
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He certainly had a major influence on this crew. Was so shocked to hear we lost another great one.
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d-know
Trad climber
electric lady land
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May 18, 2015 - 06:12am PT
|
Farewell to one of the
champions of our
collective endeavors.
Thanks for the motivation
and inspiration.
Dino.
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Bad Climber
climber
|
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May 18, 2015 - 06:21am PT
|
It's so hard to lose our heroes. It's strange that those of us who never met him still feel we've lost something essential. I'd like to know more about Graham Hunt. If he was flying with Dean, he was no doubt quite the character. Peace to the fallen and their friends and family.
BAd
Scott
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EdwardT
Trad climber
Retired
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May 18, 2015 - 06:27am PT
|
RIP Dean Potter.
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whitemeat
Trad climber
San Luis Obispo, CA
|
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May 18, 2015 - 06:32am PT
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Holy f*#k! So god damn sad, Never met him but always thought he was the man...
RIP Graham Hunt and Dean Potter!
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east side underground
climber
paul linaweaver hilton crk ca
|
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May 18, 2015 - 06:33am PT
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condolences to the families of Dean and Graham.....damn
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CA.Timothy
climber
California
|
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May 18, 2015 - 06:54am PT
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did dean get the speed record for living?
dig it.
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Fish Finder
climber
|
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May 18, 2015 - 07:12am PT
|
Risk is Life
Risk is Death
RIP Graham Hunt and Dean Potter!
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Watermann2
Mountain climber
Saluzzo Italia
|
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May 18, 2015 - 07:15am PT
|
Grande Dean e Grande Graham Riposate in pace .
La morte non è niente, io sono solo andato
nella stanza accanto.
Io sono io. Voi siete voi.
Ciò che ero per voi lo sono sempre.
Datemi il nome che mi avete sempre dato.
Parlatemi come mi avete sempre parlato.
Non usate mai un tono diverso.
Non abbiate un’aria solenne o triste.
Continuate a ridere di ciò che ci faceva
ridere insieme.
Sorridete, pensate a me, pregate per me.
Che il mio nome sia pronunciato in casa
come lo è sempre stato.
Senza alcuna enfasi, senza alcuna ombra
di tristezza.
La vita ha il significato di sempre.
Il filo non è spezzato.
Perchè dovrei essere fuori dai vostri pensieri?
Semplicemente perchè sono fuori dalla vostra vista?
Io non sono lontano da voi.
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wbw
Trad climber
'cross the great divide
|
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May 18, 2015 - 07:36am PT
|
I didn't know Dean, but did meet him a few times . . in Boulder, in Yosemite. This hurts in a similar way it hurt when Mugs died. . it just feels like the world has lost something irreplaceable.
Some people truly are not meant to grow old. I came to this conclusion when Derek died on Sentinel, although it took me a long time to accept this. I had always thought it would be cool to be old farts playing bad chess and drinking good beer together, the way we once did, but it wasn't meant to be. I live too much of life out of fear, but these characters speak to me that living in fear is no way to live. For that they will always have my respect.
R.I.P. Dean and Graham. Thanks forever for the inspiration.
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brotherbbock
Trad climber
Alta Loma, CA
|
|
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May 18, 2015 - 10:43am PT
|
I wonder what Steph Davis is feeling?
Both the men she was married to have died from BASE jumping.
I can't even begin to imagine.
Again....condolences to all involved.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
|
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May 18, 2015 - 10:44am PT
|
Bump for Dean and Graham.
My condolences to friends and family.
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Footloose
Trad climber
Lake Tahoe
|
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May 18, 2015 - 10:52am PT
|
Very sad.
Dean, I loved your spirit - the spirit you evinced in your life and in the sports you loved, and I greatly admired all your expressions in art and philosophy you shared with us, much gratitude for all of that. You were a huge inspiration in so very many ways.
Condolences to the families and friends of Dean Potter and Graham Hunt.
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Gregory Crouch
Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:27am PT
|
RIP Dean. You were a warrior, an inspiration, and an incredibly powerful individual. You lived exactly where you wanted, on the keenest edge. I'm grateful for the few times we spent together, and for the stories you brought back from spaces I couldn't ever hope to have the courage to inhabit.
My condolences to your close friends and family.
This world will be a much grayer place without you.
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Manny
Social climber
tempe
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:28am PT
|
My condolences to their families and friends. I met Dean once, in Squamish during my 58th birthday celebration at the Howe Sound Pub. He was very chill to hang with and spoke easily with all of us. Next day I saw him and his partner flying off the Chief. It was awe inspiring.
Too soon gone yet not forgotten. RIP gentlemen.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:33am PT
|
Dean Potter he went so far: hard free solos, speed solos, free BASE, daring slack lining, wing suit flying, proximity wingsuit flying, the list goes on and on ...
I will never climb at those levels, but I climb. He gave me dreams. I may never BASE jump or proximity fly, but I paraglide. He gave me intense and incredible dreams at night where I could do all those things and do them well. Inspirational.
Dean pushed way beyond what most people thought possible, and then to do this all long before everyone else even thought of it.
With that said, everyone needs their primary emergency parachute: their faith, belief, and love in Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah. Don't leave home without it.
RIP gentleman. You lived life to the fullest.
My condolences to all their family and friends.
😥
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Majid_S
Mountain climber
Karkoekstan
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:34am PT
|
Thx Chris
RIP Dean
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thebravecowboy
climber
liberated libertine
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:38am PT
|
As HST put it: "There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die."
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poliszbob
Mountain climber
Bellingham, WA
|
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May 18, 2015 - 11:39am PT
|
Dean was one of the most, intense, driven and inspiring people I've ever met. He was the most innovative adventurer of our time.
Truly sad news, and incredible loss to the whole community.
Climbing community is rich, and there are many explorers and adventurers, and people exploring boundaries of human body and spirit. He was one of them.
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r2d2
Trad climber
East Bay
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 11:54am PT
|
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
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graham
Social climber
Ventura, California
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 12:04pm PT
|
Sad news… my heartfelt condolences to their families and the tons of friends they inspired.
Mike Graham
|
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Roots
Mountain climber
Tustin, CA
|
|
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May 18, 2015 - 12:24pm PT
|
So sad. Never met either one of them but had hoped to. RIP warriors.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 12:31pm PT
|
Thanks CMac for restoring this. I only met Dean a few times in passing over the years. Seemed like a nice guy. I can't say I agreed with everything he did(Delicate Arch), but he certainly stayed true to the kind of life he wanted to live.
I can think of few people that this quote applies to so well:
“The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”
― Lao Tzu, Te Tao Ching
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fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
|
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May 18, 2015 - 01:01pm PT
|
Man, so many hateful postings on a few of those other sites with articles about these untimely deaths.
I think most of that hate and angst comes from so many people who are themselves afraid to live on their own terms and without regret as Dean seemed to do very well.
Squirrel suits must be fantastic... If I were younger I still wouldn't have had the balls to fly close to stuff like that.
Godspeed gentlemen!
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crusher
climber
Santa Monica, CA
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 01:10pm PT
|
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there.
I did not die.
RIP Dean and Graham.
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jfailing
Trad climber
part Texas, part Oman
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 01:13pm PT
|
Such sad news to hear. I walked by Dean in the valley once on one of my very first trips there. All I could think in my head was "Holy sh#t, that's Dean Potter." To say that this guy was an inspiration to me is putting it lightly. And here he was right in front of me. The Legend.
When we passed by each other he flashed such a genuine smile and said hello. That moment will forever be etched into my memory. Such a simple and nice gesture further increased his hero status.
May Dean be remembered by his unique contributions to climbing and beyond.
Rest in peace to Dean and Graham, and condolences to the friends and family of both.
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Spanky
Social climber
boulder co
|
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May 18, 2015 - 01:24pm PT
|
I only met Dean a handful of times in the valley and at other climbing areas but from my few encounters with him he seemed like a great guy. Not egotistical at all but so totally focused on his path that others may have taken it as aloof but to me he just seemed like he was an extremely intense and spiritual person who was looking for answers and was willing to go to whatever length to find them. From an outsiders perspective he always seemed a bit uncomfortable in the limelight as though fame would compromise his journey. His exploits in the mountains were always inspiring to me and while I may have a hard time understanding the need to live so close to the edge I certainly respect his commitment to his ideals. Sad to see you gone so soon but we learned a lot from the example you set. RIP
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The Lisa
Trad climber
Da Bronx, NY
|
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May 18, 2015 - 01:27pm PT
|
Condolences to the family and friends that Dean and Graham leave behind. Fly free, you guys ❤️
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
|
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|
May 18, 2015 - 01:29pm PT
|
From CMac,
Topic Author's Original Post - May 17, 2015 - 01:15pm PT
[Editor's note: the original post was deleted (which then hides the entire thread) because it had a wrong name. I am bringing back the thread because there are so many good thoughts and remembrances. cmac]
Dean was one of the most, intense, driven and inspiring people I've ever met. He was the most innovative adventurer of our time. While most innovation is characterized by doing something 5% faster or harder, Dean did things nobody ever thought possible. He inspired and entire generation of climbers and jumpers to get out and find new adventures and meaningful connections in the mountains.
Chris
Thank you !
You are to be admired at every turn you show amazing integrity !
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dave729
Trad climber
Western America
|
|
|
May 18, 2015 - 01:31pm PT
|
"In the night of death, hope sees a star,
and listening love can hear
the rustle of a wing."
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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May 18, 2015 - 01:41pm PT
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There have always been those souls who live on the very edge of what the rest of us timid souls can imagine. Climbing history is filled with them.
Just because you can't imagine it doesn't mean that others can't and do. It has always been this way and always will.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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May 18, 2015 - 02:53pm PT
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It's very sad. My condolences to those left behind and in pain.
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o-man
Social climber
Paia,Maui,HI
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May 18, 2015 - 03:01pm PT
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Since I can't come to grips with, nor form a stated opinion regarding the events of this past week I will just post this quote:
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."
Helen Keller
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philo
Trad climber
Is that the light at the end of the tunnel or a tr
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May 18, 2015 - 03:18pm PT
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A great shot of Dean and Dr Thrill in British Columbia with National Geographic in 2011.
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Barbarian
climber
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May 18, 2015 - 03:21pm PT
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I first heard of Dean in the late 1990s...maybe 1997 or 1998. He was pushing hard, speed-climbing routes on El Cap. I kept hearing his name associated with more outlandish accomplishments... slack lining, wing suit flying, base jumping. I saw his name and picture in magazines, and then, in person in the Valley. Over the past 10 years, I saw Dean almost every time I visited Yosemite. He always appeared bigger than life. I knew who Dean Potter was, but did not know him; we had never met.
Last September I was out in El Cap Meadow and I saw Dean pull up. He walked out into the meadow to watch some friends up on the Captain, then he walked out further to where I was.
"Hi Dean", I said, introducing myself. He was pleasant and so much quieter than I expected. And we talked for maybe 5 minutes. Not about climbing or jumping; just talked...about stoke, about feeling the sun, listening to the wind blowing through the trees, and recharging our souls.
Suddenly he stood. "Fly free", he said. He got into his van and drove away.
I still do not know Dean Potter. I would never claim that we were "friends". I will always be inspired by his accomplishments. But when I remember Dean, it will always be for those few minutes in the meadow, and a brief conversation about who we are as humans.
Fly free, Dean. May you dance on the wind forever.
My heart goes out to those who were close to Dean, and to those who were close to Graham. May your souls find peace.
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supafly
Trad climber
vancouver, bc
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May 18, 2015 - 03:56pm PT
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I couldn't help but cry today, Dean's intentions in life seemed so earnest and he seemed to be battling to find some kind of freedom or expression that was always just out of his grasp, I know that feeling and I know what it feels like to desire to feel or experience "something" so badly.
The world is less without you in it Dean and I'm so sorry you had to leave us now.
They won't pay a cent to hear you laughing
They might pay a little to hear you cry
If you do it long enough they might even pay attention
But they still won't pay respect until you die.
-Jon Foreman (from Broken from the start)
I express myself best in music, so I made a short song to remember this day, and remember these tears.
https://soundcloud.com/braveshoreaudio/dean-potter
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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May 18, 2015 - 04:44pm PT
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^^^^ beautiful young man. So nice to learn about him.
Susan
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rincon
climber
Coarsegold
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May 18, 2015 - 04:47pm PT
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Thanks for posting that YosemiteSteve, That's an interesting article about Graham Hunt. Sounds like he was very talented yet humble too.
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CCT
Trad climber
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May 18, 2015 - 04:50pm PT
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I ran into Dean Potter once, a few years ago, climbing After Six on Manure Pile Buttress. The route was easy for him and he climbed quickly and efficiently. Nevertheless, he moved gracefully, and each movement was deliberate. I could see that he was taking no chances.
Behind him trailed a rope, no pro, run out between him and his belayer. At the end of the rope was a young woman. At the top of each pitch, he stopped and built a solid anchor, then belayed her up.
That is my personal memory of Dean, who I did not know. Graceful, deliberate, caring enough to slow down and take a new climber on a route that was obviously tough for her, with no pressure that her abilities match his own.
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goatboy smellz
climber
लघिमा
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May 18, 2015 - 04:57pm PT
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Sad news to hear about this.
I met Dean when he was cooking at Hueco Pete's back in the 90's.
A genuinely nice guy, great listener, always willing to share beta on routes
in the park and made one of the best breakfast burritos.
Condolences to his family.
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originalpmac
Mountain climber
Anywhere I like
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May 18, 2015 - 05:07pm PT
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I couldn't do it, like many, but gave it a good try. Some here still are chasing that childish spirit of adventure. Life is real and grown up, it beats you up and does shitty things to you, but YOU don't have to grow up.
That was really well said, GDavis.
I am happy that I was fortunate enough to shake his hand and chat with him a couple of times. Heartbroken I just lost one of my heroes.
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c wilmot
climber
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May 18, 2015 - 05:16pm PT
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I met dean while working trails in YOS. He stopped and took the time to talk to us as he hiked to the top of Yosemite falls for some project. A few days later, I am working and hear a loud "nice!" from behind me. I turn around and it was dean smiling and thanking us for our work.
Seemed like a nice guy.
condolences to his family and friends
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localdan
Trad climber
Visalia, CA
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May 18, 2015 - 05:39pm PT
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Just sadness.
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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May 18, 2015 - 06:52pm PT
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My only Dean encounter was at El Cid in Oakhurst. He and his girlfriend were coming in as my brother and I were leaving. It's not my style to approach or bother people even our sport's masters, a simple nod and smile is all I exchanged. Later I thought that no one in there knew who he was, but any climber would recognize the legend. He was and is one of climbing's true masters and legends. Wish I would have at least thanked him in person for being who he was.
I love that he lived his life the way he pleased, bummed that he left so early.
Thanks Dean, you fly with the Gods now.
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Don Paul
Big Wall climber
Mexico City, D.F.
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May 18, 2015 - 08:20pm PT
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Alex Honnold apparently on Anderson 360 (CNN) tonight talking about this.
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bhilden
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA/Boulder, CO
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May 18, 2015 - 08:57pm PT
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Alex Honnold apparently on Anderson 360 (CNN) tonight talking about this.
Saw Anderson Cooper's report. He had Ken Yager, Shawn Reeder and Alex Honnold give their thoughts. Alex was on the longest, being interviewed from Sacramento. He said he spent the day yesterday just riding his bike around trying to put what happened into some sort of perspective. He also said that anybody who engages in such dangerous behavior is constantly evaluating whether what they are doing is worth the risk.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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May 18, 2015 - 09:31pm PT
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two-shoes
Trad climber
Auberry, CA
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May 18, 2015 - 09:41pm PT
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Back in the late 90's before Dean was 5.10 sponsored he was sponsored by Boreal, and he climbed in old-school red Aces. Boreal didn't have the best rubber for granite, so most Boreal sponsored athletes would get their Boreals equipped with C-4 right out of the box.
The first time he called up, my wife, Leni, answered the phone and he said, "Hi, my name is Dean, can I talk to Barry?"
I think she is kind of psychic sometimes because she asked, "Is this Dean Potter?"
He says, "Yeah."
Leni goes, "Barry, Barry! It's Dean Potter on the phone!" -She gets excited rather easily.
Dean says, "Hey Barry, I just stayed 2 weeks back home during Thankgiving. All I did was eat and I'm now tipping the scales close to 200 lbs. I heard that you had some special way to finish the shoes edges that could help big guys climb better.
I asked him, "What kind of shoes do you have?"
"Boreal Aces."
"Yeah, that Fusion rubber isn't very good for the slick granite."
"No, we call it confusion rubber, -like why won't it stick!" He cracks up.
"Well, I think I could help you out a bit"
He said, "I certainly hope so, cause I need all the help I can get!"
Dean was very unassuming, and just the regular guy in more ways than one. As he developed his spiritual self I was happy to see that side of his personality because I could very much relate to this, as I'm sure a lot of people could.
I did Dean's shoes 2-3 times, 2- 3 pairs at a time. The shoes arrived with very nice personal notes. I can't remember his exact size, but I remember thinking how does a guy 6'5" tall cram his feet into a pair of shoes this size. They may have been only about a size 10 US if I'm not mistaken.
We, too, are very sad to hear of Dean's untimely death.
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RasVegas
Trad climber
Goodyear
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May 18, 2015 - 09:51pm PT
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I'm speechless and sad beyond belief! Damn!
RIP brother.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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May 18, 2015 - 10:38pm PT
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hey there say, crankster... thank you for the link...
i can't stop thinking about this... but this helped somewhat...
thank you...
also, a few more things that i got to learn about dean, helped, as well...
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nah000
climber
no/w/here
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May 18, 2015 - 11:13pm PT
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though i don't know them, because he/they lived some of their life/lives in the public eye, it grieves me to think of all of the family and extended clan that he left behind too soon...
i hope someday they are able to take some solace in how he inspired individuals in not one, but a few different tribes to pursue potentials that initially seem insane to even dream, let alone attempt to manifest.
rip to a man i feel cheated to have never personally known and fortunate to have been inspired by.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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May 18, 2015 - 11:57pm PT
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We love you guys. Thinking of you.
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Cancer Boy
Trad climber
Freedonia
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May 19, 2015 - 12:53am PT
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My utmost respect and admiration for a life lived courageously. Most everyone is afraid of death and it limits them - for better or worse. Some people overcome that fear, and live life to the fullest. Dean was one of these rare individuals. His passing is not untimely or tragic. Nor should it be sad, really. This was going to happen sooner or later, in all likelyhood. People who live life at the edge - who overcome the fear of dying - know what they are risking, with few exceptions. This is the case with extreme soloists, terrain flyers, hardcore alpinists... Yes, these activities are selfish (to parents, friends, SAR, especially). Forgive me if I am mistaken, but going out by wingsuit would be painless, and absent time for the imminence of death to reach full consciousness, so I don't pity Dean, myself. But there is also, in my view, an unselfish and ultimately more important element to those activities in the gift they provide the rest of us: demonstrating the beauty of life's possibilities when you face inevitable death square on. For this, my gratitude, and my congratulations. Bravo.
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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May 19, 2015 - 03:44am PT
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"Better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep"
Tipu Sahib
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Daniel Eubank
Sport climber
Woodbridge, VA
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May 19, 2015 - 04:13am PT
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Blue Skies, black death...
RIP
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Captain...or Skully
climber
Boise, ID
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May 19, 2015 - 04:21am PT
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Oh, Dean. I'll miss you, just like the others. The list of dead friends grows ever longer, and the heartache always hits hard. I'm glad we got to hang in Jan, if only for a little while. Love you, bro.
I did not know Graham. ...to his people I give my regards & this small note....I grieve with you, too.
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ECF
Big Wall climber
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May 19, 2015 - 04:30am PT
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Yet another name to carve in my memorial plaque of dead friends...
The first time I met Dean, he asked me to take him to the Yabo boulder. As we walked he talked about what inspired him, and about Yo history.
I had a strong feeling I would be standing in the meadow one day, part of a sad gathering in his honor. That was over 15 years ago, and since then I've seen him do amazing things that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. How anyone could say they never thought he would die early just indicates magical thinking.
We didn't want it to happen, but to deny the inevitable outcome of that intensity was fallacy.
He didn't burn the candle at both ends, he threw the whole thing in the fire. Yes, it burned bright. Bright enough to illuminate the lives of people who never met him, to inspire, to reshape the frontier of dreams.
Many not connected to the man have said that was a life well lived, a grand answer to the riddle of Achilles.
That is either youthful idealism or the regret of a timid soul.
The marks we leave on this earth and in the memory of man, are meaningless in the larger scope.
Extreme sports are an utimately selfish endeavor, denying responsibility and community. We can fool ourselves into thinking they are managed risks, but when the risk is taken too often, we loose perspective.
Somehow, it's not enough to jump off a cliff, we have to skim the face, shoot the notch, delay the deployment...
We loose perspective.
A non climbing friend asked me if his insurance would pay out since he died committing a crime. I hadn't even thought down that line, because I too had lost perspective.
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Dingus McGee
Social climber
Where Safety trumps Leaving No Trace
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May 19, 2015 - 04:32am PT
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Cosmic -- we only get one opportunity.
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If
Trad climber
UK
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May 19, 2015 - 05:09am PT
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Respect and RIP
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Bushman
Social climber
Elk Grove, California
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May 19, 2015 - 05:09am PT
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'The Kites Song'
Oh Icarus now
I will caution you son
As your focus is set
On the stars and the sun
Fly with just the right speed
Not too high or too low
And come back to earth
To impart what you know
For what lies in the heart
Of words there are few
When soaring the heights
For a birds eye view
In the moment of flight
Is the spirit set free
So exquisite a thing
As there ever will be
Taking wing to the sky
On the wind to alight
With the falcon and hawk
And the eagle and kite
-bushman
05/19/2015
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L
climber
California dreamin' on the farside of the world..
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May 19, 2015 - 06:39am PT
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If I must be wrung through the paradox
broken into wholeness
wring me around the moon
pelt me with particles from the dark side.
Fling me into space
hide me in a black hole.
Let me dance with devils on dead stars.
Let my scars leave brilliant traces
for my highborn soul seeks its hell
in high places.
by Avah Pevlor Johnson
Vaya con dios, Dean and Graham.
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Jones in LA
Mountain climber
Tarzana, California
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May 19, 2015 - 06:53am PT
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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May 19, 2015 - 07:26am PT
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In the mid 90's Keith Royster, Buggs Seizys and I went to the Needles for two weeks of climbing.
There was only one other car out there.
The first night, things were getting pretty "electric" around the old campfire, and this young guy comes strolling into our firelight.
It was my one and only meeting with Dean Potter. Keith and Buggs knew who he was, I didn't. He was friendly, mild mannered and open hearted it seemed. he hung out with us for a long time and the climbing talk flowed freely. He seemed genuinely impressed that Keith and I were old El Cap partners and that Buggs and I were old military buddies. He left a very good impression. I have always thought of that night whenever I read about him or saw him on video.
My sincerest feelings go out to the friends and families of both these men. Brave souls, out there stretching, reaching for the gold ring.
"Midnight on a carousel ride, reaching for the gold ring, down inside. Never could reach it, just slipped away. But I tried."
Crazy Fingers
Hunter/Garcia
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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May 19, 2015 - 07:26am PT
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ECF:
Thought provoking comment by you, and honestly written.
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patrick compton
Trad climber
van
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May 19, 2015 - 08:11am PT
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Fallen soldiers. Respect.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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May 19, 2015 - 09:01am PT
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I was in Colorado and didn't hear until yesterday; no surprise but that makes it no less tragic.
Dean was an exceptional human being, and we are all poorer with his loss. We may never again see such an inspirational adventurer.
RIP
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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May 19, 2015 - 09:08am PT
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most folks are content just
looking at glossy pictures
of god in the nude.
though the modern day martyr
jumps into her lap
and authors a new
level of intimacy.
entropy knows no reigns
and occasionally
impregnates one's soul.
dean was jesting disorder.
i strive to harbor
within me the mystery.
i'm chick that way.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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May 19, 2015 - 09:20am PT
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suitors of the light there are many.
kings of darkness? i can't find any.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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May 19, 2015 - 09:21am PT
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I never met Dean, saw him around the Valley and Meadows a couple of times.
It's odd. As many of you know I very suddenly came as close to the edge of death as possible three months ago yet thanks to a quick acting comrade I came back and am very nearly whole again. Perhaps this is why right now I really don't have any words for Dean, his family, friends and all my climbing friends who knew him.
Well perhaps a few inchoate thoughts:
We all take The Risk when we climb or fly. Of being maimed or worse. Or perhaps being maimed is the worst for us. Don't make me waste away with ruined body and mind. Let me go.
Dean and Graham, like myself, saw their end suddenly, unexpectedly. Perhaps, like me, they didn't even know it was death taking them. We will never know what went through their heads at that last instant except I'm very certain it was not regret for the way they had lived.
I don't believe one can at the last instant regret dying doing what they love, doing what is an ineffable part of their being.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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May 19, 2015 - 09:42am PT
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I am flattened by this news. I hate to say that I am sad, self pity it seems. But I am. Dean, a wonderful man and friend, and really so much more than just the adventurer that most know him by.
Here was a man who loved Yosemite as much as any you can name. He made it his home, and he worked hard on plans to make it his life-long home. The shine in his eye when he spoke his plans, it made us all enthusiastic to see what he would unfold with his partners. For them I feel truly saddened, may his tall shadow guide them through this next phase.
Thanks Andy, your piece touched me deeply.
For Graham too--
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The WAMP
Big Wall climber
CA
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May 19, 2015 - 12:57pm PT
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His interview in our documentary meant so much to us! We will be forever grateful to him for his wisdom and insight. #wamplersascent Dean Potter
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Larsa
climber
Stockholm, Sweden
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May 19, 2015 - 01:01pm PT
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Dean, I have nothing more than my tears to explain how much I will miss you. For being a person whom only but once had the privilege to shake your big hand. I cry for your beloved. They will miss you so much. Forewer.
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Russ
Trad climber
Ventura, CA
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May 19, 2015 - 01:01pm PT
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Rest in Peace, Dean. You soared with the eagles and left us too soon.
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larryhorton
Trad climber
NM
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May 19, 2015 - 01:26pm PT
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Birth and death are the two biggest spiritual experiences in life for most individuals. Those who seek to transcend the norm will have many more. Nonetheless, the two dominate for many lifetimes.
“Life *is* a dream.” Until we begin to seek the real.
Celebrate Dean and Graham’s level of transcendence! They’ll be back—to experience a higher level yet. There’s still a long road ahead.
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rbord
Boulder climber
atlanta
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May 19, 2015 - 01:30pm PT
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If this is what we need to train our brains to glorify, that's cool. For me, I've got other stuff that needs my attention and glory in this lifetime. We'll miss those guys.
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Mary Moser
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, CA
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May 19, 2015 - 02:05pm PT
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Dean lived his life in a way I wish I had the courage to do. Although his life was cut short, he died doing what he loved. I admire him on so many levels. RIP Dean and Graham.
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stevekirk
Trad climber
North Little Rock
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May 19, 2015 - 02:40pm PT
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With 30 years of climbing and many skydives myself, I understand,
he always followed his dreams and pushed the limit.
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SammO
Social climber
Ohio
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May 19, 2015 - 03:23pm PT
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I always felt there was a desperate sadness to Potter's endless quest for something genuine and meaningful, which he never quite found. I do not share the opinion that his pursuits were akin to my own in the climbing world, because his choices clearly put him into a realm that deserves the label of "barnstormer" or "daredevil." The entire path for more than 40 years for me was about balancing risk with pushing personal standards. When you decide to join the small club of flyers whose challenge essentially boils down to shaving gaps ever closer, I think you're really a gambler at heart, convincing yourself with survival tales, but really rolling the dice compared to most climbers who actually contain risks, unless you free solo or visit Everest annually. Crude and unsophisticated wingsuits do not allow for the margins Potter and friends played with regularly, and when the best of your kind suffer the greatest attrition rate, i.e. your skill rises along with your likelihood of dying, you may need to pause and reconsider exactly what really drives you, and whether there is truly any distinction from it and other fatal addictions.
This could not possibly have taken anyone by surprise.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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May 19, 2015 - 03:49pm PT
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Love goes where it wants to go. It is intoxicating and addicting . There will always be those who chase it to the limits and beyond, while testing their own boundaries. It is part and parcel of the Human condition. Some of us just love a little harder, stronger and longer. When your passion is your art, then it's a Soul sacrifice. While no one wants to die, I believe it is our personal inherent right to define where our living begins and how far we take it. I pass no judgement. I am not naïve, therefore I choose to celebrate the life as much as I mourn the passing. Fly free and high, Dean
TY
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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May 19, 2015 - 04:09pm PT
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Nicely put Sammo from Ohio : )
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yeahman
Mountain climber
Montana
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May 19, 2015 - 05:39pm PT
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I knew Dean before he was famous, when he first came west and came through Montana, 19 years old...he crashed on my floor for a few months in Missoula. He worked at a golf bag factory to make some coin, he sent all our hardest routes on sight (that 6'5" reach!), and did hundreds of pull ups on my hangboard every night while everybody else sat around drinking beer. Little did we know the path he was on, but you could see the determination already in his eyes.
Before he left he gave me a chalk bag that he'd sewn when he worked at Wild Things in North Conway. When he became famous I always took pleasure in telling people that Dean Potter made my chalk bag.
Over the years I would see him at the Outdoor Retailer show, and he always assured me that what he was doing was very calculated and safe, but of course we both knew it wasn't like that. The guy was very humble for somebody who was such an undisputed badass.
In the world of corporate-sponsored athletes, he was refreshingly outside the box, pursuing his vision regardless of what sponsors or the general public thought. He did not care. The level of athleticism and mental toughness he possessed is impossible for somebody like me to comprehend. I sometimes thought maybe he would be the exception and would not die because he was so incredibly talented. But one thing of which I'm certain is that Dean would tell you the life he lived was worth an early death.
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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May 19, 2015 - 05:52pm PT
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I will remember.
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eagle
Trad climber
new paltz, ny
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May 19, 2015 - 06:22pm PT
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RIP DEAN AND HIS FRIEND
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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May 19, 2015 - 06:40pm PT
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Before he left he gave me a chalk bag that he'd sewn when he worked at Wild Things in North Conway. When he became famous I always took pleasure in telling people that Dean Potter made my chalk bag.
What awesome story. Really liked your post. A lot of the legacy Dean leaves is one of a simpler interpretation of our interaction with the natural world.
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Chugach
Trad climber
Vermont
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May 19, 2015 - 06:45pm PT
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If you have not watched Dean's movie; When Dogs Fly on Vimeo, please do. It's sadly apropos. Graham Hunt shot much of the air-2-air film. Pay the buck or two, it's worth it.
I met Dean twice, he was a super cool cat.
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Hummerchine
Trad climber
East Wenatchee, WA
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May 19, 2015 - 07:28pm PT
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I, as I am sure most, have been absorbing this terrible news. Am I surprised? Well...kind of.
I never knew Dean in person...but I have been an avid climber for 37 years and he has and will inspire me for eternity. Dean was COSMIC. He not only had an astounding skill-set that blew the world away, but he was DEEP. He got things few people ever get. He was centered in time and space. He had experiences in his life that we can all envy. He was THE MAN.
I just read this entire thread for the second time, and I'm crying like a baby. I've only cried one other time in my life for someone's death that I did not know...and that was John Bachar.
Almost all of the posts have been marvelous and right on. Dean was...well, Dean inspired. He has and will inspire me forever.
I'm also shocked at some negative comments that have appeared. A, because at this time it's completely inappropriate and beyond rude. B, because I completely disagree! For reason's I cannot fathom there are those that still, to this day, dislike Dean due to his solo of the Delicate Arch. I'll be brief...I've always thought it was super cool...right along with all the super cool stuff he did. 'nuff said about that...
As many others have posted, talk about an astounding life led well and to the fullest! So many people just don't get that...like a life well led is to live as long as possible getting fat and useless watching TV...
Or watching videos of people like Dean really living their lives!
So I'm not sad for Dean. Dean lived the very best life a human being can possibly live, I bow down to him for that, and he died well.
I'm sad for all of us who loved him. I count me in that list...never even met the man...and I've been crying for the last hour.
Back to my first sentence...as others have posted, Dean of all people I really thought would cheat death. Actually, he probably did...this was just an accident that can randomly happen to us all...like you are so careful in life yet some drunk runs you over.
I'm thinking driving a car for most of us is more dangerous than the stuff Dean did...to Dean. He had a freaking accident...for realz.
Sorry, rambling now. RIP Dean. RIGHT ON DUDE!
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11worth
Trad climber
Leavenworth & Greenwater WA
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May 19, 2015 - 08:04pm PT
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Hummerchine,
Nice post. You always have great insight.
Jim in Leavenworth
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Binks
climber
Uranus
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May 19, 2015 - 08:17pm PT
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I met Dean only twice. Once during a PG San Francisco presentation and once in C4 probably 11 years ago. I've heard lots of other stories thru friends.
I remember being inspired by his fierce energy. He was very humble though. I remember him saying "even though this part of my life is extremely together (climbing et all), it's not like the rest of my life is. I'm just like everyone else". I think this was shortly after his divorce. I really loved this guy and I saw something broken and beautiful inside him. He was an artist, a gentleman, a goofball and just a wonderful man. I hoped he would evolve into a white haired old saint.
It was not to be. How could anyone not love this guy? He was a fantastic and beautiful human being possessed of much greatness.
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harvman
Trad climber
Palo Alto, CA
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May 19, 2015 - 09:04pm PT
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I've been a average climber throughout much of my climbing career but I've loved doing it and greatly admire really talented climbers. We have watched many Dean Potter videos and read about his exploits over the years. I've taught my two sons to climb and we once (me and my youngest son) met Dean in Yosemite's Mountain Room bar. He signed our copy of of "Yosemite Valley Free Climbs" with a simple "Follow your bliss" message and signature. A real one-of-kind person and his passing is a loss to all climbers, adventurers, and soul searchers.
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bhilden
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA/Boulder, CO
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May 19, 2015 - 09:12pm PT
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What's pretty cool about the videos of Dean doing wingsuit jumps with his dog is how calm his dog appears throughout the whole experience. It seems like Dean found a kindred spirit in Whisper.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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May 19, 2015 - 09:53pm PT
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F uckin A , Dean's movie When Dogs Fly is a beautiful glimpse.
So hard to watch and listen but anyone who cares or was inspired, watch this movie. It helps.
So sad and so rad.
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WBraun
climber
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May 19, 2015 - 10:02pm PT
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The things that change you, are never the ones you see coming .......
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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May 20, 2015 - 06:40am PT
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Graham was a close friend to many in the El Portal community. I spent less time with him but heard tons of classic Grahambo stories from my climbing partner BPK.
Like Graham's first, First Ascent ever out at the legendary Shuteye Ridge that they named "Grahambo: First Blood." Or Graham taking multiple twenty foot whippers in the Utah backcountry on the Moses Tower. Probably even funnier is what the ladies used to call him when he first showed up in the Valley, "Hot Graham." What a nickname. What a guy. Peace brother.
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RP3
Big Wall climber
Twain Harte
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May 20, 2015 - 06:48am PT
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YES! I forgot about that one. We love you, Hot Graham!
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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May 20, 2015 - 08:11am PT
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I have been deeply affected by watching his film.
Make no mistake, this is not an Adidas promo video or a dean potter branding movie.
Listening to a man's thoughts and words about love and risk and passion, his mindfulness, his craft…
Especially so soon after losing him from this earthly world...
I can't help but to examine my own life, my relationships, my drive.
With this film, Dean has managed to inspire me in a whole new and different way.
I am grateful he shared this with the world.
So saddened by his passing…
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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May 20, 2015 - 09:03am PT
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This song makes me think of Dean whenever it comes up on the radio (a lot lately)
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I hope they're both in a better place.
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susu
Trad climber
East Bay, CA
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May 20, 2015 - 01:56pm PT
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This news struck so hard though I didn't know them personally. At the time of first hearing of this loss, I only knew of Dean through climbing, but what an impression left on the rest of us. It is always sad to hear of such a tragedy, but especially when those involved were clearly so full of life. May the best of memories of them light the dark. Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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May 20, 2015 - 07:12pm PT
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Susan
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Chippychopperone
Social climber
SLC, UT
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May 20, 2015 - 08:22pm PT
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This has effected me in a surprising way. As I do not know who Graham Hunt was, and my outmost condolences go to his family and soul, I have to comment on Dean and his prophetic influence.
When Dean did the Arches shananigan, I was angry and held that anger for years. I was pissed off with the extra eye from the park service while I climbed the soft rock. Many may argue, but I felt that Dean invited the media on an arch that was known as illegal to climb.
After much thought, this guy didn't think about whether this was illegal or not. He only though about the beautiful ascent of the arch. In his last years, I thought he was trying to keep sponsors by completing and advertising stunts worthy of the big dollar sponsorships. I now know this is the opposite. The companies followed Dean on his magical endevours, trying to profit off something that very few can spiritually understand. I feel that he listened to his soul and lived a life many more years than many hope to every achieve. To die in the granite crucible would be an honor.
May both Graham and Dean rest in adventure.
TDA
SLC, UT
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vôo
climber
Denver, CO
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May 20, 2015 - 09:08pm PT
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Condolences to the friends and families of these two dynamic individuals.
I believe that it isn't thrill seeking or dare deviling that attracts us to sports that are not without danger. I believe it is because we gravitate to experiences that cause us to breathe a little deeper, and our hearts to beat a little louder. To feel alive. Things that cause us to spring out of bed with anticipation.
Hope everyone who knew Dean and Graham get through this ok.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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May 21, 2015 - 01:46am PT
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Is there any way to read the post without having to create an account there?
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rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
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May 21, 2015 - 02:28am PT
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the guy who wrote the basejump piece says specifically, and twice, that he does not authorize any reproduction. I guess you have to give up you email to get in. Main takeaway for me (a know-nothing) is that the notch they shot for was considered extremely difficult and dangerous.
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Heisenberg
Trad climber
RV, middle of Nowehere
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May 21, 2015 - 04:47am PT
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Log into and make an account if you wish to view the information.
But out of respect for Charlie and most of all Dean and Graham DO NOT re-print it.
What Charlie wrote was one of the most difficult things imaginable to write. Be as respectful in the BASE forum as you would here regarding this event.
Please.
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RP3
Big Wall climber
Twain Harte
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May 21, 2015 - 06:30am PT
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Be as respectful in the BASE forum as you would here regarding this event.
Be careful what you ask for, Scott!
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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May 21, 2015 - 06:40am PT
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Didn't care for Mr. Whiting's opinion piece in the Orange County Register.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/potter-662429-george-base.html
For one thing, he said Dean was the first to do "big" free solos.
I guess he's never heard of Peter Croft or John Bachar, or Paul Preuss or Herman Buhl for that matter.....
The other thing was the "suicide" comment. Dick move.
Anyway, see for yourself
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Dingus McGee
Social climber
Where Safety trumps Leaving No Trace
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May 21, 2015 - 06:56am PT
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Bird Brains and Bat Brains are used for flying. They know the maneuvers (gradients) that they can achieve with their body types--through evolution. Any other type of brain is an imitation leading to disaster when encountering challenging winged events.
Bird maneuvers = 6g's or more?
Yes, but Potters arms were strong!
Is seeing something a raisin d'etre for believing you can do it??
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fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
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May 21, 2015 - 07:29am PT
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I disagree... it takes people like Dean and Graham to push those envelopes for others to learn and develop better gear. Although future people who benefit from these early days of wing suits may never choose to fly that close to stuff.
I got into hang-gliding in 2000 with the benefit of decades of development before that. The gliders now are even better. Can you imagine squirrel suits in 20 years?
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BluntMan
Gym climber
Wild Omar, CA
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May 21, 2015 - 09:18am PT
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I met Dean once in Tuolumne when I was hiking back from Cathedral Peak. It was a week-day so there weren't many folks on the trail. He asked what I'd climbed and we chatted for a couple of minutes about how cool Cathedral Peak was. He was low-key and interested in MY experience. Although it was a brief interaction, I'll always remember how he took some time to chat with a regular-Joe like me.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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May 21, 2015 - 09:22am PT
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The post by Hjumper33 in this thread is the most cogent explanation of what happened in the accident of all that I have read. Thanks for posting that, well worth the time to register.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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May 21, 2015 - 09:33am PT
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Re-read a few times now, I'll delete the above interpretation until more comes out. I think an updated view of the terrain is what might be needed for non-jumpers like myself to understand this. I only have a guess at the location and features mentioned in some of these reports - via a Google Earth photo someone posted in another thread.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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May 21, 2015 - 09:46am PT
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Log into and make an account if you wish to view the information.
But out of respect for Charlie and most of all Dean and Graham DO NOT re-print it.
Ah, now I understand. He specifically states that he did not want any part of his post shared anywhere else.
I created an account so I could read it. Thank you.
Thanks for posting that, well worth the time to register.
Ditto.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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May 21, 2015 - 10:11am PT
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I don't agree or see the logic in the belief that witholding the plain facts about people many of us knew is somehow "disrespectful" to the deceased, as though leving the details unsaid is more decorous or civilized. But the subject is touchy for many and tastes differ. Out of respect for the writer, who specifically wished his post to remain solely on BASEjumper.com and not be cut and pasted elsewhere, I provided the link and no more. I'm sure a comprehensive report is forthcoming.
JL
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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May 21, 2015 - 11:02am PT
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way bummer... a lot of crying this week. i first met dean the day after he had done his fast mostly free solo of half dome. his eyes were still big and i could see that here was somebody larger than life, and a brave magnificent man.
in patagonia, heather got to know dean as well, as he took her under his wing and taught her the rudiments of slacklining. then, and after that, heather and him had deep conversations about life and the pursuit of happiness.
a year and a half ago, dean confided to heather that he needed to do these extreme sports to be able to live...quite a paradox.
we are devastated at the loss of an amazing man who really appreciated who we were as much as we appreciated the way he was.
dean was really into ravens, and i always think of him when i see them to the point where i feel he is visiting me. i am sure it will now be that way more than ever.
i hate proximity wingsuit flying. it seems that it is a dangerous addicting drug. i've watched untold hours of it on the net. i'm not talking about hucking off the captain or other "safe" jumps. i don't think there has been a basejumping death in the valley in 15 or 16 years. i'm talking about fliers grinding it, and trying to come close to shite.
3 years ago i had 9 friends that were into it. 3 are dead now. one quit after a wall strike. the other five, as far as i know, are still doing it. man, i hope they will be safe, or quit.
i think i met graham at stanley's memorial. my condolences to friends, family, and soulmates of both men. man you forever fly like a bird.
steve schneider
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splitclimber
climber
Sonoma County
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May 21, 2015 - 11:04am PT
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my sincerest condolences to family and friends of Graham and Dean. Hard to fathom a loss like this in such a magical and beautiful place.
I'm envious of how they lived their lives, where you must not hold grudges or leave things unsaid or undone. It must really free you physically and mentally to live like that.
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Heisenberg
Trad climber
RV, middle of Nowehere
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May 21, 2015 - 12:42pm PT
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JL.
Providing the link was the best idea. I just wanted people to respect Charlie and the energy it took to write something so raw. If people wanted to know, register. Dean and Graham meant as much to the BASE community as the climbing community. Thats all.
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Mark Not-circlehead
climber
Martinez, CA
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May 21, 2015 - 12:48pm PT
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Shipoopi, well said.
I just watched a trailer for a documentary on Carl Boenish. And I'm sure Largo will have much more to say regarding this (as I first new of him through Gorilla Monsoon). Carl died 30 years ago base jumping. He was the grandfather of the sport. How much safer has it gotten in those 30 years?
Obviously many, many more people jumping and flying these days, and I don't know the fatality rate, per participant, bit it still seems like poor odds to me. Look how many have perished in the last 5 years! I know more climbers that have been killed in some for of BASE, than soloing in the past 10-20 years.
Someone else mentioned about how Dean and Graham, (and Fernando, and Stanley) are pushing the limits, and think of how safe it will be in 20 years.......? Who's gonna be left in 20 years at this pace?
I'm not one to say anyone should/should't/can/can't do what they love, even at the expense of their own life. But losing so many friends/fellow climbers/brothers hurts nonetheless....
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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May 21, 2015 - 01:48pm PT
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I hear that Heisenberg. It must have killed Charlie to write that kind of thing. I've been promising to write something about the great Richard Harrison for Jeff over at Rock and Ice for two months, but I simply can't muster the courange to do it. It's just too close to home just now.
JL
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coolrockclimberguy69
climber
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May 21, 2015 - 01:57pm PT
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How much safer has it gotten in those 30 years?
Much safer, actually. Thirty years ago guys were jumping modified skydiving rigs which accounted for more fatalities and injuries than nowadays. Now there are several companies who make canopies and containers built specifically for subterminal jumps. Vented canopies and innovations like having a "tailgate" have made canopy openings quicker and more reliable.
Another huge factor is the Perrine bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho which is probably the safest legal object in the world for jumping. This enables people to "safeishly" learn how to jump flat and stable with a user-friendly landing area.
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Gary
Social climber
From A Buick 6
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May 21, 2015 - 02:11pm PT
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Another huge factor is the Perrine bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho which is probably the safest legal object in the world for jumping.
If this is the safest object, I shudder to think what an unsafe area must be like.
May 7, 2015 Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) - A 73 year old man died Thursday afternoon after his parachute opened too late while base-jumping off the Perrine Bridge.
http://www.kmvt.com/news/latest/Base-Jumper-Dies-After-Chute-Opens-Late-303013791.html
March 9, 2015 Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) – A New York resident is dead after his parachute did not open when he jumped from the Perrine Bridge. Bryan Turner, 32 of Vancouver British Columbia, and currently living in New York, died at St. Luke’s Magic Valley this Monday afternoon.
http://www.kmvt.com/news/latest/Base-Jumper-Injured-At-Perrine-Bridge-295648931.html
May 13, 2015 TWIN FALLS • Emergency responders rescued a BASE jumper whose parachute became tangled in the Perrine Bridge Tuesday evening. http://magicvalley.com/news/local/rescue-underway-base-jumper-dangling-from-perrine-bridge/article_a97de2e2-b283-51d0-8d7d-5c7a653759e4.html
March 26, 2015 TWIN FALLS • Two BASE jumpers were injured Monday evening after a jump from the Perrine Bridge went wrong. http://magicvalley.com/news/local/p-m-update-base-jumpers-injured-at-perrine-bridge/article_98e0e0a6-b3ac-11e3-bbd4-0019bb2963f4.html
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coolrockclimberguy69
climber
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May 21, 2015 - 02:26pm PT
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The old guy and the two injured base jumpers were attempting some sort of kooky stunt. The two guys were doing some sort of shoulder stand thing and the old guy was attempting a cutaway from a flaming canopy.
Bryan Turner was jumping with a floating pin bridal that may or may not have contributed to the container lock that killed him. This modification was experimental and not recommended by the manufacturer of the container.
The chick who hung herself up on the bridge was on her first base jump and chose to jump in near 20 mph winds. Her "mentor" is as much to blame for this as she is.
Regardless of what kind of poor decisions are made at the Perrine, it is still probably the safest object you can jump from. It's popularity and reputation as a safe object encourages people to make bad choices.
edit: with respect to Bryan, I wouldn't consider this necessarily a "poor decision" but rather choosing to jump gear with a modification that had a higher probability of failure.
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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May 21, 2015 - 02:49pm PT
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I've been super hesitant to post anything up on this. To all the friends and family of Dean and Graham, our sincere condolences. I continue to find inspiration in both Dean's and Graham's past endevors.
I feel like I am trapped back in time or something compared to the rest of the public. THere is such a rush to put up "stuff" nowdays when anything happens, that the grieving time is cut to mere hours at best and then we are on to the analysis. Seems like there could be at least a couple days before the armchair analysis commences. And don't get me wrong. THere needs to be an understanding of what happend. But it shouldn't be at the sacrifice of some time for the family and friends to grieve. Just my 2 cents.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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May 21, 2015 - 05:13pm PT
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But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing farther then he uttered—not a feather then he fluttered—
Till I scarcely more than muttered “Other friends have flown before—
On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.”
Then the bird said “Nevermore."
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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May 21, 2015 - 05:34pm PT
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Just came across this stirring and beautiful video. Captures the freedom of wingsuit flight and stirs the imagination for the passion of high and wild places. My condolences again to all those who knew Dean and Graham. As the mourning continues I hope some find beauty in this piece.
Scott
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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wheatBeer
Social climber
TheBronx
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May 21, 2015 - 08:41pm PT
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I can really see the competition to be the ALPHA MALE in the Valley as a real thing and an influence to pushing the limits.
During my hay day in the Valley there was a significant race for fast times on big walls and link ups. With partners and solos. It was very interesting to have 2 guys (Dean and Hans) do El Cap and Half Dome Solo IAD a day apart of each other. It is said that these were efforts were independent and unknown to each other.
Not sure if Largo would comment on this phenomenon but he was part of it during his time.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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May 21, 2015 - 10:28pm PT
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It was very interesting to have 2 guys (Dean and Hans) do El Cap and Half Dome Solo IAD a day apart of each other. It is said that these were efforts were independent and unknown to each other. There's a 2006 article by Daniel Duane which says the exact opposite:
Having heard that Florine would try soloing Half Dome and El Capitan in less than 24 hours on July 28, 1999, Potter jumped on a plane from Colorado to Fresno, California, on the morning of the 27th, paid a taxi to rush him 85 miles up to Yosemite, and beat Florine to the punch. http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/dean-potter-mountain-freak-20150518#ixzz3aqHokbiS
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marty(r)
climber
beneath the valley of ultravegans
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May 22, 2015 - 08:57am PT
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Like Walt's death, this seems shocking, but not surprising. Just wish it hadn't come so soon. Dean was always gracious with his time and definitely inspired others more than he could have known.
Maybe this will remind us to tell our partners what they mean to us before it's too late, and maybe have a slightly less cavalier and callous attitude toward death. I say that as much for myself as to anyone here.
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brotherbbock
Trad climber
Alta Loma, CA
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May 22, 2015 - 10:12am PT
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Thanks for the link Largo.
Makes me realize what athletes these guys really were in more than just the climbing forum most of us are familiar with.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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May 22, 2015 - 12:49pm PT
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I just came across an amazing photo of Graham Hunt on Facebook.
I didn't upload it here out of respect to the copyright holder.
The privacy is set to "public" so I figured it would be OK to post a link to it.
Graham Hunt during one of his last exits from Taft Point
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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May 22, 2015 - 01:06pm PT
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An accurate premonition... Amazing, haunting, thanks for digging that up and posting it...
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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May 22, 2015 - 08:10pm PT
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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May 23, 2015 - 07:59am PT
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Hardman Knott,
An amazing picture!
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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May 23, 2015 - 11:29am PT
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Long before I was born J. Monroe Thorington left a quote in his guide to the Canadian Rockies that is worth sharing here.
"It is important to affirm and prove that we go to the mountains to live and not to die; that we are not fanatics but firm believers; and that the few accidents that occur are hard but not useless lessons. There is something more than a vain ambition; there is a soul." Guido Rey
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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May 23, 2015 - 01:17pm PT
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Here's a new article by Daniel Duane, that states Dean was not wearing a camera, or Gopro, and that there is no video of the accident. Interesting. So it was Jennifer Rapp's photos which showed the final sequence of events in the accident.
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wheatBeer
Social climber
TheBronx
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May 23, 2015 - 01:32pm PT
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This is what the other articles are reporting.
"Park officials are using the video from Dean Potter’s helmet, along with still images taken by witnesses and video taken by Potter’s girlfriend, Jenn Rapp, to piece together what went wrong."
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Osprey
climber
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May 23, 2015 - 04:53pm PT
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Say hello 2 heaven.
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overwatch
climber
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May 24, 2015 - 10:04am PT
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Interesting article... transgressive action specialists
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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May 24, 2015 - 05:57pm PT
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This thread feels inept or maybe even weird without any of Potter's or Hunt's family chime'in'
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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May 25, 2015 - 03:42pm PT
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I know nothing about flying so maybe someone can educate me.
Graham and Dean were flying close together. Does this make it more dangerous by the potential of distraction in a situation that requires total concentration?
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DM88T
climber
San Juan Bautista, CA
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May 25, 2015 - 09:56pm PT
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Thank you Steve for the reminder
Dean and Graham are in our thoughts.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
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May 26, 2015 - 08:36pm PT
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I keep checking in to read the recent posts in memory of Dean. Very deep thoughts.
One of the best articles and quick videos is this one from outside magazine:
http://www.outsideonline.com/1963226/dean-potter-releases-full-length-dog-wingsuit-film
Several articles mention Dean talking about his paragliding also. I didn't know he paraglided too. Makes sense. Flying under a skydiving BASE ram-air canopy is paragliding to some degree.
Fellow mountaineer and pilot ... climbing and flying is awesome. Dean you were the best. Turning dreams into reality.
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/may/22/did-rules-not-risk-cause-dean-potters-base-jumping-death
I agree with the article regarding the ban is part of the problem. Hang glider pilots have for a long time maintained legal access and flying in Yosemite. Paragliding pilots and BASE jumpers are highly envious. Permission to do these non motorized aviation free flight sports could be granted and it would be safer. Maybe it could be done on a permit basis. Something has to change for the better. Allow some freedom to do these incredible sports.
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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May 29, 2015 - 06:16am PT
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There’s a constant tension in climbing, and really all exploration, between pushing yourself into the unknown but trying not to push too far. The best any of us can do is to tread that line carefully. Dean was making his choices clear-eyed. He knew the risks in his life, and he was still willing to pursue his dreams. How many of the rest of us live with that kind of intention?
This is the last of the article (Crankster posted the link)
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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May 29, 2015 - 06:32pm PT
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Paying respects to fellow climber and Yosemite Homie Dean Potter, who crashed his wingsuit flight and caught a connecting flight into the next grand adventure. I always appreciated the Light in his eyes, a special awareness and power. The way he lived and died made some people inspired and others uncomfortable. I don't think we all have to be the same.
Some people are going to be careful to squeeze every last minute out of life and others are going to dare to squeeze every last bit of life out of every minute.
Every friend of Dean's knew which side of the risk equation he was dancing on and now we have to accept missing him. I do so without the assumption that he doesn't exist. Quite the opposite, I assume he's better than good.
Life is a mystery (unless you're not paying attention) Death is more obviously a mystery. Respect to the ones paying attention to life fully, wherever that journey might take them. They will make mistakes in their experiments, but that's a part of all evolution and innovation. Blue Skys Brother.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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May 30, 2015 - 05:18pm PT
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Thank you Karl. So Good
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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May 30, 2015 - 08:23pm PT
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landcruiserbob
Trad climber
PUAKO, BIG ISLAND Kohala Coast
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May 30, 2015 - 09:53pm PT
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Karl nailed it...
Aloha
RG
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Truthdweller
Trad climber
San Diego, CA (stuck in Jersey)
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May 30, 2015 - 11:31pm PT
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Death is not a mystery, it's very clear...ten out of ten people will die. Thats's as clear as it gets. And what happens after death is very clear, to me, as well. Praise God!
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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May 31, 2015 - 08:37am PT
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And what happens after death is very clear, to me, as well. Praise God!
We need a more recent update, just to be really clear.
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Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
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May 31, 2015 - 08:43am PT
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truthdweller this thread
dedicated to men of valor
is not the proper place
to show us the inside
of your vagina.
but thanks anyway.
vaginas are cool.
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Chalkpaw
climber
Flag, AZCO
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A small group of friends and I are going to go on a memorial hike up to Taft point on June 5th. I hope to go up through the gunsight, up brideveil creek to the regular trail to Taft. Then, we most likely come down the four mile trail. This is a celebration of our adventure seeking friends. It would be great to meet a few like minded souls. If you would like to go, pm me.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Chalkpaw writes
"I hope to go up through the gunsight, up brideveil creek to the regular trail to Taft."
Have you ever done that before. I hope so. I did it and the way forced on me was super unpleasant and ugly high angle dirt climbing pulling on trees. Yes, an adventure but sucked hard. Don't know if it's possible to just climb up the creek with climbing shoes in free solo mode but don't remember that being an option (had a backpack and girlfriend in tow at the time)
Might be a better adventure way of getting to Taft
Peace
Karl
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Bad Climber
climber
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Thanks, bbbeans. I've been wanting to know more about Hunt. Quite a guy. He certainly embodied the spirit.
BAd
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Rhodo-Router
Gym climber
sawatch choss
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Jun 11, 2015 - 06:03am PT
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Whatever you do, don't read the Comments. Universally ill-informed and depressing.
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couchmaster
climber
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Jun 11, 2015 - 06:37am PT
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^^^ Rhoto, well that pretty much guarantees we'll all read them now. I will say that it reminds me of the OJ thing. Black folks tended to believe OJ was set up, white people close to universally thought he was guilty. Such seems to be the case in this instance. Non-climbers tend to universally say nasty things in comments about their deaths. Climbers do not. I thought the article was excellent though with good detail and yet still sensitive, thanks for sharing it.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Jun 11, 2015 - 06:42am PT
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Good advice, Rhodo. The writing was so well done I avoided them deliberately.
First article I've read that included such access to Jen Rapp's story. The sensitive treatment Branch accords this saga is admirable. TFPU, Peter.
peacelovedove (Or maybe raven,)
Keith
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Maeday
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Jun 11, 2015 - 06:46am PT
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Those comments are written by those who are poisoned. Ugh.
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coolrockclimberguy69
climber
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Jun 11, 2015 - 07:03am PT
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The comments sections of news articles help remind me that the general populace is full of horrible people.
On the other hand, it's nice to know my Avoidant Personality Disorder is not without good reason.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jun 11, 2015 - 08:03am PT
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Thanks for the link Peter. Nice, measured article....typical of Times reporting.
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Rill
Social climber
Ireland
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Jun 11, 2015 - 08:39am PT
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Good article.
I can see why John Branch won the Pulitzer Prize for Writing.
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skcreidc
Social climber
SD, CA
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Jun 11, 2015 - 08:50am PT
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The NYT article was very good, and answered a few of the questions I had. Thanks for posting that link.
In my opinion, risk taking is part of our DNA so to speak. Not every one is a risk taker, but there have always been those who are willing to step up to the challenge, which way back when, could determine life or death for an entire extended family group. It's been this way since the begining for humanity and without it we would not be where we are now.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Jun 11, 2015 - 11:56am PT
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Banks or Gintas Slapkauskas?is that Greek? Wow a g/jintas slap Kraus Kas?
Any way thanks for that short an to the point letter it was a bold move for the paper to put it up given so many naysayers.
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rbord
Boulder climber
atlanta
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Jun 11, 2015 - 02:01pm PT
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Well said! What is wrong with (other) people that they need to voice their agendas??!!
"Fly on!"
D'oh! I guess we're all people.
Agree risk taking is in our dna. What's a human to do now that all the mammoths are gone? Wingsuiting is an answer that we are free to choose if it suits our values. For many people, it doesn't.
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Jun 11, 2015 - 02:04pm PT
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I thought the article was terrific and was compelled to reply to many of the negative comments to the article. Appalling many of them. Still waiting to see if I get an email from the NYT saying that they'll publish it.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jun 11, 2015 - 02:10pm PT
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Hard to believe the article received negative comments. I thought that it was thoughtful, well researched and even handed.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Jun 11, 2015 - 02:32pm PT
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I read maybe 5-10 comments quickly, got bored and moved on.
The comments are boring. People talking about things they don't understand are a bore and a general waste of time to pay any attention to.
The reason the author is interesting is that he has an understanding and unique perspective of the subject and what they were doing. He seems to have a grasp on risk. He knows who Dean is. The commenters don't.
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John Ely
Trad climber
DC
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Jun 12, 2015 - 10:00pm PT
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The New York liberal press (esp. NYT and NYRB) has always seemed to me stuck in the epoch when Ramsey Ullman & co. worried about hard climbing as a germano-fascist aesthetic along with an obsession about the stick pin in Heinrich Harrer's rucksack. But still the discussion in this well read article about the prevention of 'spectacle' on the part of the NPS powers that be in particular, and a close look at the most preferred comments on this well read piece is sobering in terms of climbers maintaining their presence in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite is not a cathedral in which everyone ought look up in silence and awe, and not have to deal with ugly bugs on the flying buttresses and stained glass windows. But not all have this view.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/sports/dean-potter-final-yosemite-jump.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
Those who respect and share some elements of Potter's and Hunt's vision quest should take notice...
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 14, 2015 - 06:22pm PT
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DMT
that's Evel, not Evil. I found this out once.
I've heard people complain that risk-takers shouldn't take risks e.g. if they have children. I'm inclined to agree.
Is it risky to drive a car on the freeway? Why yes, it is. Complicated, no?
Can it be finessed with "unnecessary risks", maybe. Fire away.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Jun 14, 2015 - 10:28pm PT
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Very few get to realise their 'grand plans' about how it's going to end and get to chose the time, place, and manner.
well, don't make it sound like they're happy to exit. i'm sure if they had it over to do they wouldn't jump.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 15, 2015 - 09:40am PT
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^Yep!
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 15, 2015 - 02:35pm PT
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^It's a plot all right. I try to avoid the iPhone. My error was just an innocent typo of the Windows/Unoperated cararacts type, but I did get to meet the other Evel due to it. He's a good guy who I might not ever (started to say evir) have come to know.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 15, 2015 - 05:17pm PT
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What you said Lgas
Very few get to realise their 'grand plans' about how it's going to end and get to chose the time, place, and manner.
The best one can do is live out ones dreams to the best of one's ability. It seems to me these men did.
Your speculation is obviously somehow more valid than anyone else's, right?
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jun 15, 2015 - 05:30pm PT
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Very few "grand plans," I would think, include dying at ages 29 and 43.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 15, 2015 - 05:38pm PT
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^~~Yep! (Radio Free America).
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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Jun 15, 2015 - 11:06pm PT
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No disrespect, but Potter took big risks.
It catches up to you sooner or later.
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bbbeans
Trad climber
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Jun 16, 2015 - 04:49am PT
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^^^ That was a touching story. Thank you for writing and sharing it!
My thoughts go to Dean and Pete and anyone else who left this world too soon and with much more to give.
"To thine own self be true", because nothing in this world is certain.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 16, 2015 - 08:41am PT
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Lg. This isn't going to take us anywhere useful, IMO, so why not let Mr.Potter do the talking. (read the whole interview here).
Has your opinion changed since you started bringing Whisper along?
There’s been a lot of dying in BASE jumping lately. One of my best friends, Sean Leary, and three other friends were killed. It kind of caught up with me a bit after this summer. Last year close to 30 wing suiters died, and I kind of stopped. This is back in September, where I was like “Mmm, something’s not quite right. That’s like, five percent of the wing suiting population just died. And here I am doing it with my dog.” So I started questioning myself.
I really felt it was safe while I was doing it, and I still—I fly in a certain way. I’m more into big mountain flights. I don’t need to be inches away from the wall. I do carve along walls, and maybe I’m five feet from the wall, but I don’t need to be inches from the wall. Five or ten feet is plenty.
Peace and Out!
Whoops:
http://www.climbing.com/climber/interview-dean-potter-talks-base-jumping-with-his-dog-and-learning-to-dial-it-back/
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 16, 2015 - 08:57am PT
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Five or ten feet is plenty.
No fixed wing pilot would fly that close to anything and you have far more control in any
fixed wing aircraft than a wingsuit. OK, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds do but their
safety record immeasurably exceeds wingsuiters'.
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ElCapPirate
Big Wall climber
Ogden, Utah
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Jun 16, 2015 - 12:42pm PT
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No fixed wing pilot would fly that close to anything and you have far more control in any
fixed wing aircraft than a wingsuit
And you know this because you're and expert wingsuit pilot?
Why not just let these guys rest in peace and quit picking apart their decisions in life?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 16, 2015 - 01:49pm PT
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And you know this because you're and expert wingsuit pilot?
No, because I've studied aerodynamics (courtesy of the US Navy) and hold
many fixed wing licenses and endorsements. It doesn't matter if you're
flying an F-16 or your mom's bed spread, they're both subject to the same
laws of science.
And I wasn't picking apart their life choices - I was merely pointing out
what I saw as a complacency based on faulty reasoning. We all make mistakes.
That's not a moral failure. Failing to learn from our mistakes is.
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zBrown
Ice climber
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Jun 16, 2015 - 02:58pm PT
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Why not just let these guys rest in peace and quit picking apart their decisions in life?
Yep!
Sorry Lg, we should just let it go. I admired Dean Potter and would have enjoyed sitting and chatting with I'm sure.
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squishy
Mountain climber
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Jun 16, 2015 - 03:20pm PT
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Because learning from history and analyzing it makes those who come after more wise, and less likely to make the same mistakes, THAT"S WHY!!!
and if you feel that is not a worthy cause, then I question your relevance and value to the earth and our species...
Our biggest failing, is refusing to learn, ignoring facts because of emotion or lack of intestinal fortitude. Dean had the balls to have this conversation, do you?
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Jun 16, 2015 - 04:04pm PT
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We are all climbers doing dangerous sh#t, this game of "my danger is better" is lame. Enough judging already, Dean lead his life the way he needed and if you didn't take the time to tell him he was doing it wrong when he was alive you have no space to do it now.
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tooth
Trad climber
B.C.
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Jun 16, 2015 - 08:24pm PT
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If I choose to live a sedentary lifestyle, accomplish nothing, inspire no-one, and die of congestive heart failure, nobody will criticize me.
But Dean does the opposite, and there is no end to the line of people judging him from the NYT comments section to StupidTopo.
Think about it.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jun 16, 2015 - 08:27pm PT
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What scares us about death is the finality....not just for ourselves but for our memories.
Face it....all of the remembering is done early on.
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Heisenberg
Trad climber
RV, middle of Nowehere
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Jun 16, 2015 - 08:43pm PT
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As the Pirate has stated: let them rest in peace.
98% of every comment on this thread is from arm chair climbers with NO BASE experience much more skydiving. Also living in fear vs someone like Dean and Graham living out of the love for life.
There are those who fear death, those who fear life and not living when the time of death comes. How many here can say when the reaper pays a visit that you lived your life with no restraint? A life true to your spirit? A life in which you gave back more than you took?
I didn't know graham but I can say that Dean Potter gave back to the base, climbing and world communities more than he took. He left both sports better then when he entered them.
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tooth
Trad climber
B.C.
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Jun 16, 2015 - 09:16pm PT
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
Jun 15, 2015 - 11:06pm PT
No disrespect, but Jimmy ate junk food
It catches up to you sooner or later.
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jstan
climber
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Jun 16, 2015 - 09:47pm PT
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How many of us reread Caesar's addresses to the senate so as to recover his contributions?
As he was leaving for retirement one friend said, "Were I to put my hand in a bucket of water
the time it would take the water to replace my hand is about the length of time I will be
remembered."
That comment was drawn a bit harshly, but it does suggest the present moment is most of
what we have. Forgetting this seems a very big mistake.
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Gunkie
climber
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Jun 17, 2015 - 05:53am PT
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If I choose to live a sedentary lifestyle, accomplish nothing, inspire no-one, and die of congestive heart failure, nobody will criticize me.
But Dean does the opposite, and there is no end to the line of people judging him from the NYT comments section to StupidTopo.
Think about it.
Nailed it.
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Bad Climber
climber
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Jun 17, 2015 - 09:04am PT
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Nicely said, Tooth:
If I choose to live a sedentary lifestyle, accomplish nothing, inspire no-one, and die of congestive heart failure, nobody will criticize me.
But Dean does the opposite, and there is no end to the line of people judging him from the NYT comments section to StupidTopo.
For a guy I never met, I sure do think about Dean a lot. I was ripping down Rock Creek Rd. yesterday at up to 40 mph on my fully loaded recumbent and trying to imagine 120 mph in a wingsuit--wow. Been studying ravens a lot lately, too.
Fly on, brother.
BAd
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Jun 17, 2015 - 09:14am PT
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I think everyone including the deceased get that BASE is dangerous and everyone seems to have some level of appreciation for statistics, doesn't seem like the time or place to rehash the rather obvious.
I think what's unique, remarkable and tragic here is their choice about living life so close to the edge of death - closer than most anyone on the planet and for quite some time.
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
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Jun 17, 2015 - 06:01pm PT
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What Dean was able to do in all these extreme sports (high-ball bouldering, speed-solo, free-solo, BASE, Free-BASE, proximity wingsuit flying, paragliding, and slack-lining) was incredibly inspiring. He was the best in so many of these sports. And not just the best but pushed the envelope and exceeded his competition by light-years. Unbelievable skill he had and his control of fear. I have the utmost in respect. When people excell so far ahead you will always have naysayers and haters. Sad but it comes with the territory.
I enjoy several of those sports but I know I will never attain the skill level and daring Dean did. But I can take his inspiration and apply it to do better in what I can do.
One thing is we all need boundaries and lines of safety we don't ever cross and these lines of safety will be different for all of us. It helps to avoid peer pressure and the "I have to do it no matter what" mentality.
In paragliding and climbing I have my own personal lines in the sand for me. It helps. I can climb and fly another day. Ultimately I want to do them until it's not possible anymore well into old age. In paragliding, altitude and speed are safety. We also fly with a reserve.
As the saying goes in free-flight, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground."
One last thing, accident investigation and sharing out the results is a very very important thing to do. This self evaluation is an important tool to learn to stay as safe as we can while doing the incredible adventurous sports we all love to do. We accident investigate and self-reflect in climbing, and in paragliding and hang gliding. I would hope the BASE community does this too. I'm sure they do. Perhaps not getting so close to the terrain is the best answer in proximity wing suit flying. I'm sure it's the ultimate heroin in the sport. Maybe pulling away and not getting so close is the simple elegant line in the sand that proximity wing suit flyers need to come to realize is perhaps the best answer.
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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Jun 18, 2015 - 05:44am PT
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Klimmer is sensible.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Jun 18, 2015 - 06:44am PT
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Nicely said Klimmer : )
G-d Bless You
And Bless Graham and Dean's souls
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Chalkpaw
climber
Flag, AZCO
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Jun 18, 2015 - 06:57am PT
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Yosemite never fails to deliver (like any place with big nature). I was recently in the park, doing my thing, and traveled by many places where many soul seekers have gone before. I didn't make it to taft point like my original plan. However, the place was alive with life! Once I slowed down on my own 3rd classing activities, I could see and feel that energy of Potter jumping, climbing, laughing, and reflecting. On the last day, the last summit, I was downclimbing from Eichorn Pinnacle and looked over at the horns that held the lines for Potter's "Moonwalk". It took my breath away. The capture of essence at its best.
https://vimeo.com/56298775
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Jun 18, 2015 - 06:59am PT
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Well said Klimmer. You eloquently expressed my very thoughts.
BSBD Dean and Graham thank you for the inspiration!
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crankster
Trad climber
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Jun 18, 2015 - 07:03am PT
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Thoughtful comments, Klimmer.
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Rob Roy Ramey
Trad climber
Colorado
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Jun 22, 2015 - 02:55pm PT
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They went out at the top of their game and as men who were truly free.
Never growing old or feeble, they will remain fixed in our tribal memory as boldly unconventional, daring, and visionary. While that is not necessarily immortality, it may be something close.
No matter how you measure it, fortune favors the bold player, not the timid.
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wheatBeer
Social climber
TheBronx
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Jun 23, 2015 - 08:56am PT
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In paragliding and climbing I have my own personal lines in the sand for me.
My "line in the sand" is when activities significantly increase the risk to my kids welfare.
I think it is inexcusable to be BASE jumping and involved in very high risk activities when you have children that are still dependent on you. There is no amount of reasoning to cross that line and my respect will be forever lost.
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BASE104
Social climber
An Oil Field
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Jun 23, 2015 - 08:59am PT
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Perhaps not getting so close to the terrain is the best answer in proximity wing suit flying
This is true, but it would take all of the fun out of it.
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jstan
climber
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Jun 23, 2015 - 09:07am PT
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OK. It is a personal decision. End of discussion?
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Rill
Social climber
Ireland
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Jun 25, 2015 - 09:19am PT
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Nicely said Chalkpaw
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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Jun 27, 2015 - 08:17am PT
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fly free
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jstan
climber
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Jun 27, 2015 - 11:05am PT
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I watched the Alan Parsons video. Well put together tome on flight one of the two intrinsic human desiderata. I spent my life in the other, the desire to see at night.
I will make comment on the tangled straw shown in the link's presentation. I have done a bit of scything. The link shows what you get when the scythe is flat out dull. If you dress the blade adequately with a stone the cut material lays down slick as a whistle.
I was incredibly lucky. At about three I followed my mom as she shocked oats behind a horse draw cutter. 1850's technology. The oats fell on a canvas surface and the follower swept them by hand into a group that was held together with a twisted strand of the oats. Then we leaned three of them together in a shock.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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Jun 29, 2015 - 11:46pm PT
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From the book of Hebrews: They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy)...
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Jun 30, 2015 - 12:31am PT
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^^^<They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth..
11:38
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nsteve
Mountain climber
Venice, CA
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[photo[photo[photoid=416779]id=416778]id=416777]
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nsteve
Mountain climber
Venice, CA
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nsteve
Mountain climber
Venice, CA
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[photoid=416782]
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nsteve
Mountain climber
Venice, CA
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Is this the notch they were trying to shoot?
Not clear on this.
thanks,
JL
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nsteve
Mountain climber
Venice, CA
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Yes, i believe so.
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James
climber
My twin brother's laundry room
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Jul 23, 2015 - 11:50pm PT
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Last year, the Dark Wizard, Grahmbo and I were all in Zion when Stanley crashed. Stanley's family mourned. The climbing community gathered and wept.
I spent the days after Dean's and Graham's death at Stanley's El Portal trailer. The air felt the same as a year before.
A few days later, a friend of mine crashed and nearly died jumping in the park.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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^^^^. Goosebumps.
Susan
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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What scares us about death is the finality....
I think the old 5.10 ad said it best:
It's not that life is short, it's that you're dead for so long.
I had a history teacher who spoke of romantics as those with ground-breaking inspirations who leave us at an early age. We can think of many romantic musicians and artists, but few romantics in sports. Sure, there are those alpinists who are overcome by objective obstacles. But the ones who perish because they pushed past the edge of "reason" are remembered with an asterisk next to their names--they had a screw loose somewhere.
In activities such as climbing and flying, the idea for many is to seek the edge, to feel that razor shave. Bystanders watch from afar, and brush the whiskers on their own faces, content with having a beard.
It all comes down to livin' fast, or dyin' slow.
This wisdom, sung by Robert Earl Keen, speaks volumes to me and I imagine all my bros and sisters who participate in the sports of climbing and flying. We just don't want to die slow.
Dean, what a fellow, what a soul.
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WBraun
climber
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It only takes 9 months for the soul to be reborn again in another material body ...
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Werner, I don't doubt that. But then I think, where are all these new people coming from? Our population keeps growing!!
Maybe as other life-giving planets are consumed by their suns, the people there have to pack up and travel here. Or maybe there's another "China" planet that's overzealous in producing souls. Obviously I have no clue. But I do hope Hendrix pops up again soon.
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c wilmot
climber
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It takes 9 months to 9 years to 90- years for many to realize they are just staring at their navel
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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I never had the privilege to meet Graham but I knew Dean and Stanley.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Last week another local wing suiter died and the local paper asked me to write something. This is what I wrote:
Wing Suite Madness
Back in 1984 I was just out of grad school and transitioning from my dirtbag years as a Yosemite-based climber onto the slippery slope of TV production. Long story short, I organized the first national TV coverage of BASE jumping for a network special based on the Guinness Book of World’s Record. Jean and Carl Boenish, the “father of modern BASE jumping,” would leap off Norway’s 4,000-foot-high Troll Wall for the biggest BASE jump ever.
We scouted Troll Wall’s jagged ridgeline for a doable exit point, ruling out Stabben Pinnacle (The Bishop) in the process, and eventually settling for a site that yielded the perfect jump and the best BASE footage we’d ever seen. Then the moment the production was over and the crew had jetted home, Carl hiked back up to Stabben Pinnacle, which he’d earlier called a “suicidal” launch spot, and jumped to his death, believing till his last breath that he’d pull it off, that he’d make it. It was no fun identifying his body, and the memory hung over me like an ax.
In the ensuing thirty years I’ve watched BASE jumping, and it’s most recent iteration, wing-suit proximity flying, do to death (111 BASE deaths in the last 3.5 years) the best in the business, like Sean Leary and Dean Porter, legendary climbers and outdoor athletes who both “went in” this last year. And now the vibrant Malibu local and international action figure, Johnny Strange, is gone as well.
The adventure game changes year to year, as fitness and technology improve and dreams evolve. But for adventurers past or present, the questions remain the same: How much of myself can I put into this? How much risk and fear can I possibly survive? How much adventure do I really want? People have traditionally discovered their answers a foot at a time. But for proximity flyers, the difference between life and destruction is only inches. For top performers, those consciously trying to write history, risk and reward follow parallel tracks. And when a wing suit flyer gets too ambitious, if only by an inch, his days are usually numbered.
The adventure crowd’s always favored the bigger wave and the deeper cave dive, but most of us have been rocked by a BASE fatality. The voices are getting louder: Proximity flying - skimming over mountain ridges, past rock walls, swooping though narrow notches and close-walled canyons where you make it or you die – is simply not sport as we’ve always know it. Push the risk or push the difficulty. Push both at the same time and you’re not asking for trouble. You’re making it. And with proximity flying, the numbers say trouble is found with fatal frequency.
Strangely, disturbingly, the word within proximity flying’s small international community is to “understand” the fatal mistakes, analyze same, make adjustments – then get after greater challenges. See for yourself on Youtube or Edge TV. Many close to action look on and wonder - What the hell?
The “why” per adventure sports is always like shoveling smoke, but maybe not so much with the proximity game. It seems likely that flying your body though a slot canyon at 125 miles per hour triggers the biggest adrenaline rush in the history of mankind. As such it runs the risk of addiction, requiring even greater doses to get the job done, and killing people in the process. In simple language, a lot of folks who have defined themselves through risk taking are saying the whole proximity flying game is f*#king crazy, that it can’t go on. We’re losing too many friends and brothers and heroes.
But what to do?
The action crowd has always known that an element of risk enhances their lives. Dirt bikes, extreme skiing, white water kayaking and rafting, tow-in surfing, binge drinking, unprotected sex – all of these, good or bad, are go-to drills in the adventure world. But people have never been taken out in such high percentages, and so ugly, as with proximity flying. And unlike most other adventure sports, where the best often get out alive, expertise in proximity flying is looking more and more like a death warrant, and proximity flying videos are feeling like snuff-films barely averted.
Adventure first got liftoff in mythology, and legion are the enchantresses singing you into the rocks. To me and many others it feels like too many leading proximity fliers are caught in an enchantment, gripped by the lotus eaters, and hearing no one else. Let’s be clear: the majority of people flying wing suits and BASE jumping are playing it safe, so far as you can with Old Man Gravity. But for those addicted to pushing things a little more, jump by jump, and calling it art, convinced of their scientific approach, the freedom and spiritual rewards – we collectively hold our breath, waiting for the wind to shift, knowing a change of heart can only come from the people wearing the suits. The sooner the better.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Thank you John.
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Rollover
climber
Gross Vegas
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Good stuff JL!
Heavy..
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
ne'er–do–well
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I can't argue with that (write-up), seeing as CMAC himself quit cold turkey.
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cavemonkey
Ice climber
ak
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Bump to dean
Who was most def not a tard
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Oct 10, 2015 - 08:29am PT
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Nicely said John....I couldn't agree more.
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bixquite
Social climber
humboldt nation
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Oct 10, 2015 - 08:41am PT
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thank you John, from the heart
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
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Oct 10, 2015 - 08:48am PT
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Unprotected sex?!
"Adventure first got liftoff in mythology..."
Or else... Adventure first got liftoff in The Chase.
Sometime you should try writing like that on behalf of science - as a protagonist of science - an action adventure game in its own way.
Anyways, good thoughtful post.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Oct 10, 2015 - 09:32am PT
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gripped by the lotus eaters
Another too many. Yeah, lay roses. But with the thorns on.
Thanks for stating that John.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Nov 10, 2015 - 09:25pm PT
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Took this today.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
ne'er–do–well
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Nov 10, 2015 - 10:05pm PT
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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Nov 10, 2015 - 11:43pm PT
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Alright, a late night post...
The Raven sightings have been mentioned repeatedly. At first I resisted thinking much of it, but now I remember Dean telling a story about an owl that showed up on several occasions at the Cathedral Boulders after Walt Shipley passed away. So there's that.
And then I had a few of my own encounters after Dean passed. During one, my friend Annie and I were walking and talking under the Wheeler Crest about the dreams we each had about Dean. Suddenly a Raven flew overhead and circled us, calling and crackling. What can you say when just a few days before that the Raven were calling loudly during Dean's memorial in the Valley? The logical mind resists, but the spirit speaks.
I think the one that clinched it for me happened at the roadside parking for the Cookie. I was packing my bag with a few Ravens circling above. A van of German tourist ladies pulled up immediately behind me as I continued to organize my things. The women started snapping photos of a Raven that had landed on that enormous boulder that sits next to the road there. The bird was calling loudly, fluffing feathers, raising and lowering his wings. The ladies asked where I was going and i told them that cliff up there is an incredible place for rock climbing. I wasn't paying much attention to the loud Raven on the rock above my head, I started to walk past the ladies as they snapped their photos, eager to meet my friends at the rock. As I walked in front of the the black bird one of the women asked in her German accented English, "Is that your friend?"
And in that moment my rational mind stopped fighting and I said, "Yeah, that is my friend." And for a moment I remembered how Dean opened a door to immense mysteries. And maybe its still open enough for us to see through once in a while.
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illusiondweller
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jan 31, 2016 - 09:46pm PT
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"Eternity is an awfully long time to be wrong." - Colonel Ryberg, USMC retired.
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brotherbbock
Trad climber
Alta Loma, CA
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"Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end."
-Woody Allen
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Larry Nelson
Social climber
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Very well written and thoughtful post by Largo.
Very sad that this sport has taken away so many great souls.
My nephews best friend is now dabbling in BASE jumps and wingsuit flights.
I am hoping he doesn't move on to proximity flying.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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A great story from Ryan...
The Raven sightings have been mentioned repeatedly. At first I resisted thinking much of it, but now I remember Dean telling a story about an owl that showed up on several occasions at the Cathedral Boulders after Walt Shipley passed away. So there's that.
And then I had a few of my own encounters after Dean passed. During one, my friend Annie and I were walking and talking under the Wheeler Crest about the dreams we each had about Dean. Suddenly a Raven flew overhead and circled us, calling and crackling. What can you say when just a few days before that the Raven were calling loudly during Dean's memorial in the Valley? The logical mind resists, but the spirit speaks.
I think the one that clinched it for me happened at the roadside parking for the Cookie. I was packing my bag with a few Ravens circling above. A van of German tourist ladies pulled up immediately behind me as I continued to organize my things. The women started snapping photos of a Raven that had landed on that enormous boulder that sits next to the road there. The bird was calling loudly, fluffing feathers, raising and lowering his wings. The ladies asked where I was going and i told them that cliff up there is an incredible place for rock climbing. I wasn't paying much attention to the loud Raven on the rock above my head, I started to walk past the ladies as they snapped their photos, eager to meet my friends at the rock. As I walked in front of the the black bird one of the women asked in her German accented English, "Is that your friend?"
And in that moment my rational mind stopped fighting and I said, "Yeah, that is my friend."
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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Marlow, Huginn or Muninn?
Have always been amused by ravens and hawks. I often think our logical minds blind us at times.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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May 17, 2016 - 08:27am PT
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It was a year ago yesterday.
Rest in Peace.
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