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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 14, 2005 - 06:43pm PT
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Erica's a friend to many and a familiar face in Camp 4 and the rest of the valley. She was on a climbing trip to Shipton Spire and went missing when doing a dayhike from the K2 basecamp apparently (was erroneously reported earlier she was missing in an avalanche).
If anyone hears anything about her status, please post. She's a great girl and friend to many here.
A site with some photos of her, it's already in the international press. I was suprised it hasn't got more attention in the climbing world:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limiss0714pg,0,6574570.photogallery?coll=ny-li-bigpix
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2005 - 06:48pm PT
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Oh, here's the most accurate article I've found so far. Damn, it's been 5 days now. Hope she's found safe and sound:
NY Newsday:
July 14, 2005
A 27-year-old Great Neck native who explored the world through biking and mountain climbing was reported missing last Sunday during an expedition to climb Shipton Spire, a mountain in northern Pakistan, her father said Wednesday.
Erica Kutcher had been climbing in the remote area since mid-June and was missing from base camp on Saturday, said her father, David Kutcher of Great Neck.
State Department spokeswoman Nancy Beck said Wednesday that her agency was investigating reports that Kutcher was missing. An Associated Press story quoted a U.S. Embassy spokesman in Pakistan who confirmed her disappearance.
The same report claimed Kutcher was feared dead after getting struck by an avalanche while climbing near K-2 in Pakistan, the world's second-highest peak, but her father denied the claim Wednesday.
David Kutcher said he contacted officials Monday about his daughter's disappearance, moments after he fielded a phone call from Pierre Olsson, Erica Kutcher's climbing partner.
David Kutcher said, according to Olsson's account, that his daughter went for a walk alone on Saturday and when she didn't return two hours later, Olsson and several porters searched for her until night fell.
Olsson, who is from Sweden, notified local officials and was transported to the nearby town of Skardu, where he is assisting in land and air search efforts, David Kutcher said. Blue Sky Trek & Tours, the company that sponsored the expedition, is also helping with the search, he said.
When Erica Kutcher told her parents she was planning an expedition to Pakistan, they expressed only "political concerns" -- which her father declined to elaborate on -- but no reservations about her climbing expertise.
"She's an extreme athlete and has an extensive athletic resume," her father said.
Kutcher's passion for outdoor sports began when she was 14 years old during a summer program of hiking, camping, bicycling and kayaking.
Kutcher studied outdoor recreation at the University of Vermont in Burlington, and spent a semester abroad bicycling around New Zealand. She then flew to Australia and biked alone for months throughout the continent.
Three years ago, Kutcher planned a biking trip from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica. With a friend, she bicycled from Alaska's Prudhoe Bay in the Arctic Circle to Baja California in Mexico, where the trip ended after two months due to an illness that immobilized her.
"They biked 110 miles a day," said Blossom Kutcher, her mother.
Her father said Kutcher is certified in survival training, including ski patrol and rescue and avalanche control. It is those skills that her parents hope will bring her home.
"Erica is a survivor," he said.
David Kutcher said he is upset about reports that she was caught in an avalanche because he said that contradicts what he was told by Olsson and officials.
"It's upsetting to receive calls and condolences when her death has not even been confirmed," David Kutcher said
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Holdplease2
Trad climber
All over
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Jul 14, 2005 - 07:40pm PT
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Prayers for our friend, Erica.
-Kate.
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malabarista
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Jul 14, 2005 - 07:40pm PT
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Erica is bad ass! Had some fun times hanging out with her in C4 last summer. She can climb circles around me, and she has a great sense of humour. http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=IMGP0703
I'm praying for her safe return.
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jacs
climber
Colorado
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Jul 14, 2005 - 07:55pm PT
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Hope she's OK.
Anyone heard from Micah, Nick, and Renan, who are also in that area? I figured that was the team that was most likely to get in trouble.
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ChrisW
Trad climber
boulder, co
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Jul 14, 2005 - 09:30pm PT
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Erica told me she was going to shipton spire. How close is that to K2? Renan, Micah and Nick are at the trango towers.
I really enjoy hanging out and climbing with Erica. I hope she's found and is in good health!!!!
I am going to get a hold of some people and try to find out what's going on? I am definitley not jumping to any conclusions.
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peanutbutter22
Trad climber
SLC, UT
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Jul 15, 2005 - 03:23am PT
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Thanks for getting some better info out there, Fluoride.
I'll never froget climbing the Central Pillar of Frenzy with Erica. We kept catching a 18 year old kid at the belays, so naturally we sang 'Baby Got Back' to this poor kid until he left for the next pitch, it was great. It was all about the fun with her, after all, what else is there?
By the next summer, Erica would only climb with me on her 'rest days', that's how good she was.
God, I miss her like crazy.
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 15, 2005 - 02:03pm PT
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I, too, have been blessed by getting to hang out with Erica. I met both her and Pierre and shared a few meal in C4 last June, and was working on Zodiac when they came up and sent it in a day. In fact, I have a few great photos of her at home from the C4 parking lot that I'll post later. She is an absolute doll, incredibly down to earth, and wicked talented. I hope they find her very soon -- it would be a tremendous loss to the climbing community, and I can only imagine how people she has touched and lives she's influenced in her travels.
Ed
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Q
climber
SLC
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Jul 15, 2005 - 03:06pm PT
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I just wanted to chime in with some hope. She's gotta come back, because after our third failed attempt, I promised her I wouldn't climb the Rostrum with anyone else. And I really want to do that route.
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rockgeir
Trad climber
Tucson, AZ
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Jul 15, 2005 - 04:32pm PT
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Even though the picture looks very bleak, let's not give up hope yet. Keep in mind that Aron Ralston and Joe Simpson both faced incredibly bad odds and survived, unaided, for days. These guys were strong, resourceful, and determined. Erica's like that; if she's got a chance, she can make it work.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 15, 2005 - 06:47pm PT
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Yep, if there's ANYONE I know who could survive anything, it's Erica.
I've never met anyone as committed to climbing and outdoor FUN as Erica. She's not in it for sponsorships, fame, getting in the mags, being an online personality, getting a pro gig out of it. She's 100% about her own personal goals and her own fun. She's a good enough climber she could get sponsored by any company out there (and she's also cute with a wicked hot body that would be phenomenal to photograph). But that's not her. She's the most free spirit I know in the climbing world.
I totally have hope she's okay. Tomorrow will be a week since she went missing.
Here's the only info I could find today, from the Daily Guardian....sounds like they're still continuing the air search. I wonder if it's true that she went missing on Saturday but wasn't reported missing til Tuesday. That's kinda strange. But then again accuracy of info out there seems on and off so who knows what to trust:
Friday July 15, 2005 1:46 PM
GILGIT, Pakistan (AP) - Army helicopters continued on Wednesday to search for an American woman who went missing while on an expedition to climb a mountain cliff in northern Pakistan, officials said.
A Swedish climbing partner of Erica Kutcher, 27, reported to police on Tuesday that she disappeared over the weekend when she left for a walk after eating lunch, said Abdul Qayyum, a police official in Shigar, a village near the rock cliff the two mountaineers were climbing.
The climbing partner has been identified as Pierre Olsson, 36.
On Tuesday, another police official in the area reported that Kutcher disappeared after she was caught in an avalanche, but that information appears to have been erroneous.
Sher Ali, an official with the Blue Sky Tours, a company that organized the tour that Kutcher was on, said Olsson was helping in the search for Kutcher.
U.S. Embassy spokesman Greg Crouch said Tuesday that U.S. officials had been in touch with Kutcher's family.
``We hope she would be found safe,'' he said.
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WBraun
climber
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Jul 15, 2005 - 10:33pm PT
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OK, we should send YOSAR over there and see what we can do. Oh ....I wish we could go there and help out.
But, I hope she shows up somehow.....best wishes for her safe return ....
Werner
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Holly Wood
Mountain climber
Bozeman, Montana
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Jul 16, 2005 - 12:17am PT
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Erica is amazing. Crossing my fingers and praying that she will pop up soon and return this fall to Camp 4 to tell us "a funny thing happened to me on the way to the climb in Pakistan..."
She is one tough mother and knows her way around the outdoors. She has too much left to accomplish on her long ticklist of fun and far too many admiring friends who aren't ready for her to leave. Such an inspiration.
I do hope she's safe and that we'll all hear that funny laugh of hers again soon.
~Peace
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jul 16, 2005 - 12:46am PT
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Hope for the best. She sounds like a great and amazing person. Stranger things have happened than a person wandering in from the wilderness after going missing for a week.
JL
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JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Chatsworth
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Jul 16, 2005 - 02:03am PT
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Lets all keep praying.
Juan
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 16, 2005 - 03:20am PT
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As promised, from June of '04:
Erica and Pierre at the base of Zodiac:
Erica with the poi balls in C4 parking lot:
I hope we get some good news about her real soon, and my thougts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
Ed
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Oliver
Trad climber
Quebec, Canada
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Jul 16, 2005 - 04:22pm PT
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To Erica's friends and family.
I had the amazing chance to climb whit her during the time she was in Yosemite last may. I spent enough time with her to know that she is one of the most talented women climber I ever meet and by far, always have the best attitude about it. She push herself constantly in life and hopefully that determination in her his going to bring her back home safe. To her eyes everybody is important and her smile and laugh always make everybody happy around her event if you are having a bad day.
I am shure she change people way to look at life more then once by the way she see things and friendship. A lots of people are missing her and hope the best for her friends and familly. She suprise me more then once, so please do not loose faith in her coming back.
Oliver
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KEVIN STURMER
climber
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Jul 16, 2005 - 07:22pm PT
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Erica is an amazing person and can get through anything. We met in Nevada but we are both from LI (small world). She was kind enough to show me around the valley several years ago. i last spoke with her in Feb. and she filled me in on her trip. Things will work out for her.
Kevin
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 16, 2005 - 09:28pm PT
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Saw this posted over at rc.com, firsthand from Pierre:
Hey all,
I have to bring you some very sad news from our trip to Pakistan.
On saturday the 9th of July, Erica Kutcher was out walking the glacier near our basecamp. The weather was good with blue sky and no wind. Erica was walking alone. She told me she was going for a short walk, it was our second restday in camp after much climbing. Erica left camp between one and two pm. She did not return. We did a search that evening (starting at five pm) and all night and the next day. At one pm on Sunday I called for army helicopters and we did a full air search on Monday the 11th of July with the help of two helicopters. We found no trace of her. The search is still going on.
I am missing my very best friend and climbing partner, we pray and hope for her every second.
I am currently in the little town of Skardu, talking to officials about the incident, Skardu is located 10 hours by jeep and tre long days hiking from basecamp.
Please inform anyone we know about this,
pierre
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Courtney
Trad climber
California
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Jul 17, 2005 - 04:30am PT
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Hi Everyone...couldn't sleep. Had to write. Hope you enjoy a few Erica stories and that everyone takes this in the spirit with which it is meant: hope and love, Courtney
Dear Erica,
It’s just after midnight urban Santa Barbara time on Sunday July 17th. I can’t even begin to calculate through my sobs of hope and fear what time it is in Pakistan. I just know it’s been a week since you went out for your hike and haven’t come back--yet.
Statistics tell me you’re dead. My heart and soul hope that you are alive. I want you to know, either way, you are, were, and will be one of the inspirational women in my life. I think of you and I want to go out and do big things. I think of you and I smile.
The first time I met you, you were wearing green plastic Incredible Hulk hands about twenty times larger than life from some sort of Halloween costume that I think you somehow found on a shopping trip to the great shopping Mecca of Mariposa, pretend boxing with one of the guys who so generously shared his salad with me (probably to conjure up some female companionship in the scarcity thereof in Camp 4). You jumped up on his back and he swung you around in circles while you pretended to use your superpowers to fend him off.
My first impressions of you were that you were spunky, hot, vivacious, and probably just a bit too thin for your own good. I learned more about you from the usual suspects – one of my favorite tales being how you took a hula hoop up El Cap and hooped three thousand feet off the Valley floor. I, like everyone else, love being in your presence—you make everything so fun.
Being the superhero you are, you soon came to my rescue. You and Hollywood, (a.k.a. Scott Stanley) saved me from the entertainment starved Tourons the night Lincoln was away and I, as the volunteer to the climbing ranger, had to host the weekly climbing film, but could not get the video projector to work. Somehow, instinctively, I knew you would save a sister in trouble. As I fumbled with the video connection and the crowd in the Village amphitheater grew restless, I had an idea and got on the mike.
“While I am sorting out this technology, I’d like to ask Erica and Hollywood, two real life climbers, to come forward to talk to you about what it’s like to climb in Yosemite,” I announced over the P.A. system, giving you zero warning.
True to your style, you energetically sprung from your seat and fielded questions from the audience. They loved you and your authenticity. You were dressed in form-fitting navy blue sweats, a long-sleeved synthetic top, and a matching blue knit beanie with your super-cute little pig tails sticking out either side — all topped off with a headlamp. Hollywood, whose nickname origin still eludes me, was wearing a Hawaiian print shirt and was dashingly unshaven. The two of you captivated the audience with your frank, quick-witted Q&A. Hollywood remembers the questions and answers much better than I — I simply remember a great sense of relief and thankfulness that you were there. Eventually I got things sorted out, the audience saw the film, and we hung out and built human pyramids afterwards.
That night we planned a First Ascent of sorts -- an F.T.A. -- which, we to this day have yet to do.
I don’t know if tonight is your last, or if tonight is my last for that matter. I pray that you’re alive and that we get to do more of the things we have each planned. I want you to know, we are all thinking of you, cheering for you, and thankful you are in our lives. You might be physically by yourself at the moment, but know that spiritually, you are surrounded by loving friends, now and always.
I miss you.
Come home and play some more with us.
Love,
Courtney
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 17, 2005 - 03:35pm PT
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That's a moving response Courtney. I think there's a thread on rockclimbing.com titled similar to this that her childhood friends and family are monitoring. You might want to go over there and post this since her family would probably love to hear this story. They're just as strong as Erica and are full of hope and the Hulk hands story would probably give them a much needed smile right now.
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Ouch!
climber
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Jul 17, 2005 - 10:12pm PT
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Geraldo Rivera is about to discuss Erica right now. On Fox News
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Ouch!
climber
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Jul 17, 2005 - 10:31pm PT
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The interview was quite interesting. Her mother was in the studio in new York.
Just checked the schedule and it looks like it might repeat on the show from 10:00 to 11:00 pm Pacific Time.
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 18, 2005 - 01:45am PT
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I just saw the segment on Geraldo -- they did more than just a mention, it was a full on segement with some good reporting and Erica's Mom and cousin were in the studio. It's nice to see it get this kind of publicity, because it may help influence the length and bredth of the investigation by the Pakistani government.
Some disturbing news from the segement for those of you who didn't see it:
 It seems that Pakistan has called off the formal search. No explanation given publically, but speculation abound.
Pierre was taken into custody and interrogated last night. They asked him to sign a form indicating (admitting?) she was dead so they could close the case. It appears they are trying to implicate him in her disappearance, or they are trying to take the easy, convenient way out just to put this matter behind them. He was released this morning.
I don't know Pierre very well, but he seemed like a top-notch guy to me. The trust level that he and Erica have established over the past few years during some very extreme adventures is one that would not easily be betrayed, and I would find it hard to believe he could have anything to do with her disappearance.
The above has been offered as one reason the search was called off. Her Mom was also told by US officials that it was called off temporarily today because of weather and will resume with the addition of SAR dogs.
Erica's cousin talked with Pierre today and Pierre plans to be involved in every way possible to assist the search.
A lot of conclusions can be drawn or implied from the above info, but I don't think it would be appropriate to speculate too much. I do know that Erica's Mom and cousin wanted to make clear that it is important that the audience, and we the climbing community do everything we can to pressure the State Department to keep looking for Erica and to ask them to put pressure on the Pakastani Government to provide all possible resources until Erica is found. I personally have a friend in the State Department who I will be writing after posting this message. She's not a big player, but every contact could help. If you know someone who could help assist in this search, please pull those strings and call in those favors now.
Ed
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guest
climber
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Jul 18, 2005 - 02:18pm PT
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I've been following this and the rc.com thread, and it's obviously horrible news. I'm somewhat familiar with the area, having been there last year -- we were base camped in the Trango b.c., a couple hours' walk down-glacier from Shipton Camp. We did, however, make several trips to the Shipton Camp just to say hi to folks, and my climbing partner had made two previous trips to the area, both times climbing from the Shipton Camp. He's super familiar with the place, having climbed Shipton Spire and routes up and down valley from Shipton. I just spoke with him last night and told him about what I'd read on Erica's disappearance. He mentioned something that's terrible but quite logical, having been there.
First, in response to this (I didn't see the Geraldo thing, btw): "I know from the interview that they said their was an army base in the vicinity of Shipton Spire where Erica was climbing, what did they mean by "vicinity"? "
**Unless things have changed since last year, the nearest army camp is a full day's walk, along rubble-strewn glacier, from Shipton. It's not what we'd consider an army base here -- a few tins huts, old tires, shack, and some dudes hanging out, bored silly.
And this: "Also, has there been any reports of guerilla activity in the area?"
**Not that I'm aware of. On the contrary, this area of Pakistan tends to be extremely safe. I've traveled a good bit around the world, and on my trip there last year I was met with more kindness and warmth than anyplace else. Of course, we weren't looking for guerrillas and such, but word from the locals, folks we befriended who were very open about everything (talks on politics, religion, etc), and word from all the trekkers and climbers were that this is an extremely safe area. There's other areas of Pakistan where guerrilla activity is high and travel would be sketchy at best, but this isn't one of them. Though anything is possible, it's hard to imagine guerrilla-related troubles in that area, especially in the Shipton Camp (it's not an area readily accessible by any way other than the normal trek from the heavily-traveled Baltoro and up the Trango Valley).
This, which related to what could be a possible explanation for Erica's disappearance: "Is the glacier she was hiking on prone to crevasses?"
**Yes, but it's a dry glacier (no snow -- too low in elevation, even after Pakistan's huge snow year with hundreds of avalanche deaths over the winter/spring). Being a dry glacier, it's bare ice, often covered in rubble (scree/talus/dirt). So, the crevasses are very visible, unlike, say, something in the Alaska Range (or higher elevations in Pakistan) where snow bridges can hide the crevasses and make travel treacherous. Wandering around on a dry glacier can be fairly safe, and I did it a fair bit last year -- fun, so many unique and cool formations in the ice, etc. Truly beautiful. BUT, the problem is, there's spots where it's super slick, with fine dust covering rock-hard ice, and it's very easy to slip and fall. The glacier ice there rolls up and down constantly, it's not smooth like snow-covered glaciers often are. Up by Shipton Camp there's lots of small rivers and streams running through the glacier. I'd guess that some of them are quite powerful, especially with the record snow year they had followed by the recent high temps (record highs in Islamabad with many deaths, though I don't know if that necessarily means that the areas farther north were so warm) -- probably high meltwater run-off. Anyway, these glacial streams/rivers are carved down into the glacier, the water is freezing cold, and if you got close to the edge and slipped, you wouldn't have a chance -- you'd slide right down into them. No matter how tough or good someone (like Erica) is, there'd simply be no way to avoid being swept away (and quickly incapacitated by hypothermia). Most all of them quickly disappear into caverns and such beneath the ice, into who-knows-where below the glaicer.
It's a horrible scenario to ponder, but if helicopter searches uncovered no trace, it's very possible.
If you've been near these things, it's so easy to imagine how it could happen. There's also small lakes in the glacier, with outrageously steep banks of dirt and rock. Once you start to slip on these steep banks, they completely disintegrate beneath you.
There's countless little lakes and icewater streams on the glacier by Shipton.
I remember hearing a report, maybe 10 years ago, about someone on a NOLS or OB (?) trip perishing into a stream and beneath a glacier like this. I think it was in the Cascades.
Sorry for the lengthy post and morbid scenario, but it's one that I hadn't seen mentioned, and it seems quite possible. It's the first thing my friend mentioned when I told him about this. So sorry about this whole thing.
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Courtney
Trad climber
California
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Jul 18, 2005 - 03:05pm PT
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Thanks guest for the excellent insights from you and your friend on the Shipton base camp area and the political environment. That was extremely helpful.
Three quick things:
1) It seemed odd to me that Pierre would be questioned for so long by authorities, so I called a Federal Investigator I work with in Yosemite National Park who is often tasked with similar types of lost person investigations. His first words were that he is very sorry Erica is missing. He confirmed that investigators do question the partners extensively. I'm sure I can ask him more questions about this process if anyone wants me to. He was reassured to hear that the State Department is involved.
2) I think someone mentioned going to see a psychic. Interestingly, I believe I read that "seers" are helpful in a number of cases. I have not been involved in a case where seers have been used, so I have no first hand experience. However, I believe there is some positive data in "The Handbook for Managing Land Search Operations" by Robert "Skip" Stoffel, published by Emergency Response International www.emergencyresponseintl.com
3) I'm glad to hear dogs are being deployed. While no search resource is perfect, dogs can often smell that which we cannot see. If I were lost, I'd definitely want K9 resources deployed.
For those of you who don't know me, I've been involved in search and rescue for three years, mostly in Yosemite. I'm currently training a search dog to do wilderness search.
Erica met Bella, my dog, last summer in the dirt lot when we were out for a morning run. Bella jumped up on Erica with great enthusiasm and scratched Erica's tummy--but Erica didn't mind and just pet her and gave me a hug, smile and lots of great energy.
Please let me know if there is anything more I can do to help.
Courtney
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 19, 2005 - 01:22am PT
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I got a quick response from my friend. Here's what she had to say:
"Ed -- I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I sent an e-mail to a friend of mine who is still in Islamabad...and (she indicates) that the American Citizen Services staff at the Embassy have been working on the case ever since they found out that she went missing.
It's the job of the American Citizen Services section at the Embassy to take care of Amcits in trouble.
That's one of my jobs in Sierra Leone, but in Pakistan they have an officer doing it full time and her boss is my old boss. My old boss is a force of nature and will let nothing get in the way of her helping an American citizen in trouble -- I saw it several times when I was there. The Embassy has very good relations with the police and I am sure they're doing all they can to find her.
Before I left Pakistan I went up to the Northern Areas (Gilgit, Hunza) and got stuck for a week and a half because of weather -- the air is so thin up there the planes cannot fly to/from Islamabad if there is even a hint of a storm over Nanga Parbat. I imagine it is the same in the area where they are searching for Erica. And forget trying to predict the weather up there -- I tried it myself while I was stuck waiting for good plane weather -- 3 websites, 3 different forecasts. It really is isolated up there.
Take care and keep the faith,
Rachael"
Still no word, but it sounds like the right people with a lot of resolve are in the region to make sure this is a top priority.
Ed
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 19, 2005 - 01:54am PT
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Thanks for the info Ed.
It's been 9 days now since she went missing. Damn. As hard as this is on all of us - her friends - I can't imagine what her family must be going through. Any idea if her folks are going over there to aid in the search efforts?
Still holding out hope for Erica to return to us.
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 19, 2005 - 03:08am PT
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I never met Erica but I know her very well. And I mean "very well." Through the eyes of her parents, the joy in their expression each time they have mentioned her, the spark in their eyes when they describe any one of her many adventures... Although there are two daughters for whom the Kutchers carry tremendous pride and love, their smiles and laughter when sharing any one of Erica's conversations will remain with me always. Erica is very special and there is no doubt that she has spun through life with a passion I can only hope to experience myself, but I am so very inspired by these two wonderful people. Erica's father carries a quiet demeanor with yet a wonderful sense of humor and compassion that truly complements his lovely wife's inner beauty and sense of pleasure in all that she touches. They are a wonderful family -- the Kutchers, and I take great pleasure in knowing them and being a part of their family. Even while the anxiety of the unknown looms overhead, Erica's parents carry a sense of dignity and respect for a daughter they miss dearly. I only hope that I can be the parent either one has been to Erica and Gabrielle. I hope and pray like everyone else here for a simple miracle. In the meantime, I thought you all might like to know something about two people so very important in this young woman's life... Peace.
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Gab
climber
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Jul 19, 2005 - 10:30am PT
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I'd like to start by saying that all of your kind thoughts and stories have helped us keep good thoughts of Erica in our heads during trying and uncertain times.
I now have to put closeure to all of the speculation. My sister was found dead yesterday, swallowed by an avalanche. My parents recieved conformation at 3am from the American Embassy.
We appreciate all of your support and the wishes that I know everyone will want to share with the family during this time of greif, but we ask to please keep the phone calls to a minimum, as my entire family is in agony over this most recent and final development in this story.
She passed on in one of the most beautiful places in the world doing what she loved to do most.
Erica was a kind and wonderful person who has touched everyone she has met and it is our duty as those who have known her to keep that spirit alive in our thought and our actions.
There are 2 things that I have learned from my baby sister over the years that I would like to share as they are universal:
1. Be true to your heart and yourself. Never care what anyone thinks as long as you are doing what you know is right.
2. Take time every day to smile at someone you don't know. It is the little acts of random kindness that, in the end, make a bigger difference.
Thank you for your support and all the love you have all shown. Her light will still burn bright if we keep lighting different fires from it.
If you'd like to send condolence wishes to the family feel free to e-mail me and I will pass them along to the rest of the family.
God Bless you all and God keep Erica and love her as we do,
Gabrielle Kutcher
wydgit76@yahoo.com
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10b4me
Trad climber
On that V2 problem at the Happies
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Jul 19, 2005 - 11:39am PT
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Gabrielle,
so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your parents.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jul 19, 2005 - 01:09pm PT
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Very sad news, and heartfelt condolences to all.
Though I certainly don't know the specifics I think it's amazing that she was found at all.
JL
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D.JTRIP
climber
r.i
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Jul 19, 2005 - 01:09pm PT
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thank you to all family & friends for your support through all of this but as u know erica was found but she passed on. erica was a kind & wonderful person who has touched everyone she has met.she was a great she used the world as her playground from rock climin to bike riding she did it all.. all over the world. she was also family
erica to me was talented,inspirational,experienced rockclimer,captivated,amazing,confident,sincere & a rarity she was a world explorer one of a kind the best aunt my baby boys could ask for she had dreams of takeing my boys up with her to show them every thing she knew i wil miss you gabbi will miss u mom dad we all will miss you so much you will live forever in our hearts......
till we meet again erica kutcher
love always venasio guevara
p.s to all of you who knew her when she was not at home with her mom & dad you guys are great my sister in law loved you all so much cause just like you she had stotys about all u guys if u have more storys please we here would love to hear them
thank you
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Amjad Ali Khan
Mountain climber
Skardu,Pakistan
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Jul 19, 2005 - 01:57pm PT
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May the almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to overcome the irreparable loss through love and friendship of many well- wishers around you.
We pray for her soul to rest in peace.
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Holdplease2
Trad climber
All over
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Jul 19, 2005 - 02:25pm PT
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I am so sorry to hear this news.
I know I didn't know her as well as many of you, but there was never an occasion when I spent time with Erica that I didn't feel happier and better about life...and challenged to live it more fully.
She was a brave girl in so many ways, from launching up El Cap in pushes to being a good and strong woman in her own way. She led her climbs and her life in ways that I could never follow, but will probably wish I would have.
I know I'll smile every time I remember her...running around in her dirty red shorts with tree-sap stains on her face, looking as lovely as anyone ever could.
So sorry for all of you, her family and close friends, what a tremendous loss.
Praying for peace for her soul.
-Kate.
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mello
climber
Miami, Fl
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Jul 19, 2005 - 02:27pm PT
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Hello to you all, I am Erica's Aunt. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who posted your stories and comments about Erica.
We, her family, are truly devastated by the news that we received today. We are grateful and thankful that she was found.We are waiting to hear when her remains will be returned to us so that we may plan her funeral.
It will be a celebration of her life! She lived to climb. This was a part of Erica that we loved and marveled at. It's nice to know that her spirit will live on in all our memories,
Thanks for all your words and prayers.
God Bless You,
Marcia
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Holdplease2
Trad climber
All over
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Jul 19, 2005 - 02:29pm PT
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I am so sorry to hear this news.
I know I didn't know her as well as many of you, but there was never an occasion when I spent time with Erica that I didn't feel happier and better about life...and challenged to live it more fully.
She was a brave girl in so many ways, from launching up El Cap in pushes to being a good and strong woman in her own way. She led her climbs and her life in ways that I could never follow, but will probably wish I would have.
I know I'll smile every time I remember her...running around in her dirty red shorts with tree-sap stains on her face, looking as lovely as anyone ever could.
So sorry for all of you, her family and close friends, what a tremendous loss.
Praying for peace for her soul.
-Kate.
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Big Breasted Woman
Trad climber
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Jul 19, 2005 - 02:44pm PT
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I'm so very sorry to hear of this sad outcome. I can't even begin to imagine the feelings that all her many friends and family are experiencing. I never had the pleasure to know Erica but in a very small way I kind of do. And this is only because of all the wonderful stories that have been posted here about her since she disappeared. Keep this special person close to your hearts. She was one of a kind.
Nanci
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D.JTRIP
climber
r.i
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Jul 19, 2005 - 03:08pm PT
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Just to clarify, It was Erica's mother Blossom who was on Geraldo along with Erica's cousin, Michael Glickman. And, yes they did show amazing strength.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jul 19, 2005 - 03:38pm PT
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I thought it was a very class thing for Amjad Ali Kahn to send his condolences. Goes to show how grevious these things are for all involved. I wish I knew more details, but of course that will change nothing . . .
JL
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Southern Man
climber
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Jul 19, 2005 - 03:40pm PT
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Add my name to the growing list of climbers that didn't know Erica but who feel the pain that words can't express over her loss.
With Sympathy,
Ken
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Minerals
Social climber
The Deli
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Jul 19, 2005 - 04:41pm PT
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How very sad.
We have lost one of the brightest smiles the dirt lot has ever seen.
Best wishes to her family and friends.
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Courtney
Trad climber
California
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Jul 19, 2005 - 04:43pm PT
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Dear Gabrielle, Mr. and Mrs. Kutcher, Marcia, Michael, Pierre, and everyone in Erica's beautiful life,
I am so sorry to learn of Erica's death. Thank you all for sharing yourselves and information so openly and generously through these times. Please know my and my family's thoughts are with you all.
Those of us who climb and do adventure sports are often seen as being brave. Yet it takes so much bravery to be the parent, sibling, or friend of an adventurer. You all exhibit so much bravery by supporting us in all the ways you do big and small--listening to our stories, buying us climbing helmets, forwarding our mail to "General Delivery" addresses at remote post offices, understanding our lack of communication due to poor or no cell phone reception, welcoming us home with truly stinky laundry, and so much more. Thank you to the Kutcher family for supporting Erica in doing what she loved.
I am lucky to have spent a handful of times with Erica. Even if Erica had lived to be 108, I could never have gotten enough of her. As I mentioned a few days ago, she is one of the inspirational women in my life. I think of Erica and I want to go out and do big things. I think of Erica and I smile.
My love and sympathy to all,
Courtney
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 19, 2005 - 07:51pm PT
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To Erica's family and friends.
I had the pleasure of knowing your daughter pretty well during my time in climbing. I climbed and played alongside her in many places. I can honestly say I have never met a more truly wonderful person in the climbing world. Completely selfless...would do anything for a friend, acqaintence and even stranger with the same level of kindness and sincerity. Just meeting her once you could feel a kinship and friendship with her immediately. Getting to know her more...sharing deep thoughts, stories about relationships, goals and faliures, things we hoped and wished for....those were things I was lucky enough to have shared with her. And of course the climbs. I've never met a more positive spirit on the rock than Erica. She was one of the most talented people I've ever roped up with, and she would treat a beginning level partner with the same kindness and patience she showed all her friends. Rare for someone of such talent and skill. But she had no ego...she was about having fun on the rock, and whether it was with someone of equal skill as her, or someone just learning, she still had the same smile and joy because she was on the stone climbing rock and life was good.
One of the last times I saw her was early spring in Joshua Tree. I was leaving a parking lot and she was driving out behind me and recognized my car. Out of nowhere I hear a horn start honking and look in my rearview mirror to see who was trying to flag me down, and it was her. We both flew out of our vehicles and joined in a huge hug and spent awhile sitting by the roadside catching up (she was heading home to Tucson at the time, but stopping late on a Sunday to catch up with a friend was more important than getting on the road. That was Erica).
I'll miss her greatly. But I thank God I had the good fortune and time to get to know your amazing daughter and sister. People like that are to a degree born with that level of goodness and spirit in them. But I'm sure the way you raised Erica and the positive family environment she had growing up contributed greatly to the amazing, adventurous, confident, kind, giving woman she was as an adult. She will be very deeply missed. The best we can do is follow the lessons she taught her sister....and keep smiling and staying true to ourselves.
Blessings.
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Brutus of Wyde
climber
Old Climbers' Home, Oakland CA
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Jul 19, 2005 - 07:56pm PT
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So sorry to hear the bad news.
My heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved Erica. Keep her in your hearts.
Brutus
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MLevine
climber
Sunrise, FL
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Jul 19, 2005 - 08:23pm PT
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David,Blossom & Gabrielle,
How do friends of 40+ years, express their feelings when a loved child is taken from us?
As the tears are flowing, we will always remember the last time we saw Eri, just a year ago, and the warmth of her smile. We are in shock and had hopes that she would come home to you.
May she smile upon us from above as she did on earth. Gabrielle, don't let the boys ever forget their aunt. This is a lot for them to have to go through, you have to keep strong for your family.
We are here for you all.
Love,
Marti, Steve & Family
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suebose
climber
atlanta, ga
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Jul 19, 2005 - 09:03pm PT
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To Erica's friends in the climbing community,
I am one of Erica's roomates from college. There were six of us living in a house in Burlington, VT at any one time, plus or minus friends/boyfriends, etc. I think I can speak for all of us when I express how much I appreciate all of the stories you all have shared. Hopefully it's ok that I've read them, even though I'm not a tried and true member of your community, but I absolutely take comfort in the amount of people who are thinking of Erica now, and who know and love her.
I am having a hard time articulating my feelings right now, but I just wanted to say thank you, and here's to an amazing person.
Sue
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 19, 2005 - 09:14pm PT
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Sue, of course it's okay you read all this. It's fantastic that you are. Erica's someone who touched many lives and those of us in the climbing world are just one facet of her life. I've been moved reading the posts here from her family and friends from outside of climbing, they show other sides of Erica's life to the climbing world that is insightful and meaningful to all of us. We all share your grief and all cherish her memory.
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jg
climber
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Jul 19, 2005 - 09:59pm PT
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Like Sue, I am not a member of the climbing community but I've been reading everyone's stories and thought that you might like to know that Erica had the same energy, sweetness, and love for excitement even when she was younger which is when I knew her. I met Erica at sleep away camp when we were 10-11 years old. Even then she had such spunk that kept me laughing whenever we were together – which was often since we were attached at the hip in camp. Erica is the only person I've ever known who could rock back and forth on her stomach like the bottom of a rocking chair. There are so many stories – they all involve the kind of laughter that you only share with really close friends and family. They have made me smile each time I think of them even for years after we lost touch. I found out about Erica because my mom saw her parents on the news last week and called me immediately because she remembers the entire family as fondly as I do.
I am so sorry to hear about this loss. It is clear that Erica continued to brighten so many people’s lives and I just wanted to send my deepest regrets to her family and friends.
Jennie Gross
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klewdog
Boulder climber
New York
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Jul 20, 2005 - 01:02am PT
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"Happiness comes from within and I know you have tons of it. Where ever your life might take you, remember who you are and what you want. Do the best, be the best, and you can never go wrong. . . ."
Erica Kutcher, March 8, 1997, inscribed in the cover of the journal she gave me.
She is an inspiration for all.
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suzie
Trad climber
bowen island, british columbia
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Jul 20, 2005 - 01:22am PT
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my name is susanna and i am from british columbia. i met erica at yosemite last summer at camp four. she was one heck of a good time. she was the second person that i met and she was pretty welcoming to me, making me part of her climbing community. i was on my way through on the very same cycling trip that she tried to do but had to stop due to her sickness. i rode my bike from canada to patagonia this year and i would like to dedicate my slide shows to her. i stayed at yosemite for just over a month, so i was able to hang out with her a bit. so many fond memorise that i will never forget and will laugh at and smile knowing that she was a special, fun, strong woman. when i showed up i didn't bring much stuff and she was always ready to lend me whatever to help me out (her extra sleeping bag, clothes...) i remember doing hand stands with her and doing some crazy stunts (one where you take a beer bottle half full and balance it on your head and without using your hands put it on the ground. we did this so many times and had a lot of good laughs.) lots of crazy camp fires making smores and hanging out...talking about guys and how we like them a lot. i remember being at one end of camp four and i could hear erica's laugh from the other end of the camp. it was always this loud piercing screech which would make me laugh and definately find her. but one of my most favorite memorise was the baseball game that we played at camp four. if you can picture this...four sexy dirty, literally, girls, and a bunch of guys (outnumbering us by far) playing a full contact baseball game with a stick and a rock. eventually the rock became a chunk of wood because we figured it was a little too dangerous due to our audience being drunk and high. the trees and bear boxes became bases and each player would hall ass to make it there with out being tackled and striped of clothing. the girls team, my team, had to use force in order to win...so we did. erica, amee, jeane and i got into it with all that we had. one girl would get the ball and the rest would tackle and jump on the guys so that they wouldn't get to base... and so on and so on... it was a day that i will never ever forget. we were strong and crazy, but happy and full of laughs and smiles. she was someone who i looked up to and will probably forever. susanna
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Matt
Trad climber
places you shouldn't talk about in polite company
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Jul 20, 2005 - 02:17am PT
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i only knew her for one afternoon, while sharing some belays on a climb in the valley. she was wearing red-white-and-blue sweat pants and we joked that she looked like captain america (partly because she was so fit) and asked if she had any super-powers. her response was that she hadn't any super powers, but she said, "i'd be happy to teach you some party tricks instead!" (you have to picture her saying that with a huge grin), which she did once we'd all topped out. months later, and out of nowhere, she even sent me pictures of the clowning around that day.
that girl had life in her, and you could see it from a mile away.
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femurboy
Sport climber
Moab, Tucson
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Jul 20, 2005 - 04:08am PT
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I met Erica two years ago at a Halloween party in Moab. She was dressed up as a sketchy desert off-width, utterly herself in a red bikini and wig, fishnets and a pair of huge, red, bug eye sunglasses. I was drunk, wearing a pink wig, having no clue at all as to what any kind of off-width might be. We sat on a couch and talked for hours. We hit it off. I couldn’t believe this beautiful person was interested in me. A few weeks later she took me climbing for the first time in my life. It was a revelation, and she didn’t even yell at me when I lowered her way too quickly on a borrowed figure 8.
For the next year we’d make it a point to run into each other when possible, every few months or so. My work as a bike guide takes me to the same beautiful places she liked to climb: Yosemite, Zion, Moab, Vegas. We’d hang out and catch up, talk about one day maybe being someplace together for some amount of time, the loneliness of living a life on the road, our families back east. Last winter we both ended up in Tucson and finally got a chance to spend some real time together. Every minute was special, whether it was mini-golf, crazy 80’s night dancing, ab-rolling till my tummy ached or just hanging out, having those wonderful, long, getting-to-know-you conversations that you remember for the rest of your life. She touched me deeply and I fell hard. She climbed every single day; it gave her what no person could. She’s the most dedicated athlete I’ve ever met and I quickly realized that I’d always come second. That was OK.
She was so excited about her trip to Pakistan, kind of saw it as the end of one era in her climbing career and the beginning of another. She worked crazy hard to pay for it while training and keeping up a budding relationship. The trip meant so much to her. The last e-mail I got talked about how beautiful it was there and that she and Pierre were already looking forward to returning next season. She had so much left to accomplish in life. I’m lucky for every second we had together, she leaves a huge hole in my life. Erica died doing what she had to do, what she loved, on a great adventure and in the mountains. Might we all be so blessed.
jacques
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Edge
Trad climber
New Durham, NH
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Jul 20, 2005 - 08:42am PT
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I never met Erica, however, from reading these stories and heartfelt thoughts:
There are certain people who make everyone around them better. Erica seems to have filled this role.
Climbers are a tight knit group, and a community who respect real people for being original and for adding quality to their lives. I wish I had met Erica, as she seems like she was the "real deal."
I offer my deepest sympathies to Erica's family. I cannot comprehend the devestation that you must feel at this moment; I will keep you in my prayers.
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addiroid
Big Wall climber
Long Beach, CA
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Jul 20, 2005 - 12:12pm PT
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Although I did not know Erica, I offer my condolences to her family and friends and am glad that there is some closure to this story, unfortunate as it may be. I am not too good with words, but let's celebrate how happy she made everyone feel, and be glad that there are people like her in this world.
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Kennedy
Social climber
moab,Ut.
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Jul 20, 2005 - 12:52pm PT
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Today a shadow of sadness is cast across the land. For a moment the world seemed to stop turning on its axis. As if frozen in time, we held our breath through uncertainty. uncertainty turned absolute and a tear fell a little further down. The world now resumes its gentle pace, absent of a person many will not soon forget. Erika Kutcher is a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a climber, and a friend to many. On Sat. July 9th 2005, we lost all of these wonderful associations with Erikas' life. Those who knew her may be forever inspired. Those who didn't should know that on July 9th this world lost one of the most intense and inspiring female rock climbers of our generation. The loss of such a strong person (mind/body), should remain a reminder of how delicate/fragile human life can be. Erika, darling, your immense focus and dedication to the climbing lifestyle will be remembered as a reflection of all things that are pure, right, and good. I will miss climbing with you in the desert this winter. You will be in my thoughts. My deepest sympathies extend to her family and friends.
-Colin-
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WassermanFamily
climber
Long Island, NY
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Jul 20, 2005 - 04:38pm PT
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Blossom, David and Gabrielle,
We don't even know where to begin...We watched her grow up - we prayed she was coming home safely. You are family to us and this loss is just devastating. I can't even speak... That beautiful baby with the button nose turned out to be an incredible woman full of light and strength, that inspired everyone she came in contact with.
We love you all so much! Please know our thoughts and tears are with you, and we are here - day or night - always...
Love,
Susan, David and Lori
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VT
climber
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Jul 20, 2005 - 05:10pm PT
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I'll never forget the first time I saw Erica. It was the winter of 1997. I was walking by the library at UVM and she walked by me wearing hiking boots, shorts, a down jacket, her Dana Designs lid to her backpack as a fanny pack and pig tails sticking out from under her hat (it was frigid out). The moment I saw her I knew I had to meet her.
Over the next few years I had the opportunity to hang out with Erica a lot getting to know her and her family and friends. To say she was a huge part of my life would be an understatement. Over those years we experienced so much together that I am so grateful to have the memories from. We climbed, traveled, hiked, went sky diving, laughed, cried and the list goes on.
I can also remember the last time I saw Erica. It was just over 5 years ago in June of 2000. We bouldered in Smuggler's Notch that day and then Brad and I drove her to the Mobil station in Waterbury to be picked up by her friends to go back down to southern New Hampshire where they were leading biking trips that summer. Never did I think it would be that last time I would ever see her.
I will never forget Erica and will always be thankful that our paths crossed in life. I learned a lot from her, most importantly how to live in the moment. I don't think I have ever met anyone who knew how to live in the moment like Erica did.
To all of Erica's family and friends I send my sincerest sympathies and love. May we never forget our beloved friend!
-Shane Baron
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jessie
climber
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Jul 20, 2005 - 05:39pm PT
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Hello everyone,
Erica was my roommate her freshman year of college—my sophomore year- and went on to become a spectacular friend. I could not have foreseen the impact sharing a room with a spunky pig-tailed girl would have on my year and on my life. I have so many memories of Erica from college—but the ones that keep flashing through my mind so vividly are from that first year we met— the year we shared a cramped third floor dorm room at UVM.
I didn't know quite what to make of Erica that first week of college—she was completely unlike any other person I'd met. She showed up at the door, tan from a summer on a glacier in Alaska— mountaineering pack on her back, short-short brown terry-cloth dress, lugging a huge green garbage pail overflowing with the strangest assortment of objects.
She dropped the garbage pail trying to shake my hand, spilling carabineers, several bottles of soy sauce, and the largest collection of Elton John CDs I'd ever seen. “Oh-boy,” I thought to myself, “Who IS this girl?"
It didn't take long to find out part of the answer to that question—but I'm not sure it was ever fully answered. Her vast complexity continues to elude me. Here are some of the things I learned about Erica that first week of being her roommate:
First—she was Fun—more fun than any other kid I'd met. And it was the most infectious kind.
I discovered this that first evening when we went grocery shopping together. Out of the blue, she started hauling huge embarrassing packages of ridiculous groceries into the cart. "Well, I definitely am going to need this Econo-sized box of Depends!" and, "We should really stock up on these frozen meatballs!" She wheeled that cart around the store wearing shorts and knee socks and that mischievous grin, trying to make the biggest spectacle possible. My mortification gave way to a childish indulgence in just plain ridiculous FUN. We wheeled around the store throwing every weird thing we could find into that cart and laughing til we really might have needed those Depends. I can't remember if we even went home with anything.
A few weeks later, we got it into our heads that we were going to try to make the guys on our floor jealous by creating "an air of mystery". We "casually mentioned" that we'd met some rich handsome young doctors who wanted to take us out on a double date. We talked about it for a few days and even faked phone calls from them. Then, on Friday night we dressed up in the fanciest things we could dig out of our closets and went off to meet our "dates." The guys wouldn't stop asking us where we were going to dinner and how we met these guys. We just shrugged and feigned nonchalance, "Somewhere really nice I'm sure." Erica and I ended up walking to Ben and Jerry's and sharing a big sundae. Then on our walk home, we got caught in what seemed like the biggest downpour of the year. Erica's shoe broke in half so she was wearing only one shoe and we were sloshing through puddles and up to our knees in mud—two pathetic drowned rats in black dresses. We knew our cover was blown and all we could do was laugh.
I would like to go on about everything else that was fun about Erica. Everything that was daring and caring and energized and silly and alive and real and awe-inspiring about that girl that showed up at the door—but that’s about all I can bring myself to write right now—
Erica never let me be sad very long. She would always do something sweet and silly and ridiculous to get me to laugh through my tears. That is what these stories are doing for me right now.
It feels good to be doing that with others who loved her so much. I feel connected to all of you and grateful that you all are here. Man, she was easy to love, wasn’t she?
Jessica
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jfk
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Jul 20, 2005 - 08:26pm PT
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I met Erica briefly last winter in Jtree, chatting briefly with her and her partner at the base of the Exorcist. As my partner and I racked up for another route, I heard her partner put her on belay. Just moments later Erica was at the top, joyfully whooping about being a “sport climber,” having clipped the single bolt enroute.
Her joy and enthusiasm were obvious, and infectious.
My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her,
John
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Oliver
Trad climber
Quebec, Canada
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Jul 20, 2005 - 09:31pm PT
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It is with deep sadness that I learn the loss of my good friend Erica yesterday. Never in all my years of travelling I met somebody such has her. Erica as so much energy and determination.
I remember when I first met Erica. It was at the brewery in Moab, Unfortunately, I only got to know her better this past spring in Yosemite. My language barrier often kept me from going forward and engage a conversation. But one day Erica came straitght to me and star asking me all sort of questions. At first, I felt very embarass and would only answer back with a few words. But strangely, she was very persisten to know me better. I quickly realize that she didn't meant to make me uncomfortable. She simply was a very frindly person and always enthusiastic to meet new people.
Sure enough, I foungd myself climbing with her all around the Valley. But one morning, I remember, we were sitting in camp 4 not knowing what to do do with our time, then she came with the great idea to go climb Astroman. She always wanted so bad to do that climb. I didn't want to disappoint her, but with all the snow this winter some sections of the route were still wet, one of them being the Harding Slot. A pitch that scare must climber event in dry condition. After sharing my toughs with her, she ensure me that it was not a problem and that she will lead that picht if it was the case. To make a long story short, we star the route around noon. We quickly found ourself under the dripping chimney. Personally I would had probably came down. But without a word she grab the gear and start making her way up this narrowing nigthmare. It was so tight and slippery that she had to leave behind part of the gear to fit inside. Inch by inch, kicking with her feet she made it up this totally wet squeeze chimney. It was one of the most impressive moment im climbing carrier. Never I saw so much determination in a person. I barely made it up that picht. A few yours later we wore back at the cafeteria.
I truely belive everythings that's been said and done by Erica from my own experiences. She will stay in our hearts a true inspiration of strenght and determination. I think of her and I see her smile and ear her voice.
I'm sending to her family and all of her friends all of my support
I miss her a lot.
Sincerely, Olivier.
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KEVIN STURMER
climber
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Jul 20, 2005 - 09:34pm PT
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To EK's family and friends,
I'm am very sad to hear the news about Erika and i send my deepest regrets. I had the pleasure of climbing the Braille Book in the valley with her on her birthday about 3 years ago. She was an amazing, wonderful person to be around. I'll never forget hiking down Epiniphrine barefoot with her. i feel lucky to have known her.
Kevin
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 21, 2005 - 03:06am PT
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The climbing community is unique in a few regards. In no other sport can the average weekend duffer break bread and share war stories with the elite and best athletes of the sport, often around a campfire or a favorite local hang-out. Erica wasn't a sponsored climber, but she definitely had "rock star" quality talent. As others have mentioned, she was more interested and enthusiastic about your plans that she was about her own. She went out of her way to make me feel like one of the group in a campsite where I knew no one when I arrived, and eagerly invited me to share a few meals with them.
Camp 4 and the Yosemite climbing scene is where climbers of all abilities gather to chase their dreams, whether we are full time dirt bags or weekend warriors. Spend a few weeks there and it’s hard to not want to stay in the Valley for a whole season or longer. It’s people like Erica, though, that make the experience more than memorable. She had no ego, and it was easy to tell that she was thrilled to be living life on her terms and she was having so much fun that she wanted to drag you along for the ride.
Our paths only crossed for a brief couple of weeks, but she left a permanent impression on my life. You don’t forget someone like Erica and the world is a lesser place without her in it. The climbing community is also unique in our ability to rally around those we love in times of loss. Those who have climbed with Erica have had a chance to really experience the essence of her character and we want everyone to know who it is we saw in times where a person’s character is revealed the most. She was a wonderful lady who inspired those around her to suck the marrow out of life! Those of us who grieve do so because we’ve lost a kindred spirit. People who have been life long friends, those who have been casual acquaintances, and those who never even met her -- we all grieve because we admire the way she lived, and hope that we, too, can learn to live our lives unapologetically following our hearts.
Along with the grieving many of us will find our own way to help celebrate Erica’s life. It would be inappropriate to do any less. As I’ve read these stories about her antics and adventures I can’t help but find myself cheering and applauding how she conducted her life, and it inspires me to live a little more carefree. I, for one, will be carrying a hula-hoop with me up a route next year.
Those who are family and close friends of Erica, please know that she will be dearly missed by many who crossed paths with her over the years. I can only imagine the emptiness and sorrow you feel, but please know that you do not grieve alone. We are blessed to have known her.
Ed
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 21, 2005 - 10:43am PT
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To all the friends and family members of Erica...
Thank you so much for all your wonderful stories about this amazing and vivacious young woman. Forever more I can only imagine Erica in the "costume" befitting Captain America with red rosy cheeks and a mischievous grin. The image is overwhelming. And the description of grocery shopping posted by Erica's roommate (Jessie) actually made me laugh out loud. Courtney's pyramid photo that accompanied some very generous and loving statements about Erica was also a real treat. Reading from family friends who have known the Kutchers for "decades" even, really says a lot about the connections that this entire family has had on those around them. I am truly inspired by the kind words and compassion expressed by so many here in this forum and elsewhere, and I know that you are helping to heal some very grieving hearts.
I am asking for a member of the Kutcher household (or close friends thereof) to share where either flowers or donations may be sent in memory of Erica Kutcher.
Peace and love to you all.
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darod
Trad climber
New York
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Jul 21, 2005 - 12:09pm PT
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I never met Erica, but i'm grieving as if we were long time friends. My deepest thoughts and condolences to her family and friends.
Her passing brings sad memories of my own friend's death a couple of years ago in similar circumstances in Peru. I know (and anyone who's climb for some years do too, i'm sure) how hard it is to come to terms with the fact that such beautiful young woman won't be around anymore; she won't be forgotten and the way she lived her life is an inspiration to us all.
R.I.P. dear Erika...
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Katy
climber
Middlesex, Vermont
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Jul 21, 2005 - 01:56pm PT
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I met Erica at UVM nine years ago. Her crazy ideas were infectious and I soon found myself on adventures I never would have imagined without her. We shared the attic of a house in Burlington Vermont where we lived with five friends.
Her spirit and passion have always inspired me. I know that I would not have tackled many adventures had I not known her.
I miss her so much. As I write I'm in Utah, the red rocks around me all have her name written on them. Her spirit is strong in this place. Thank you all for all of your stories. It is amazing to know how much one person has touched people's lives.
Peace
Katy
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Link
Trad climber
Yosemite, CA
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Jul 21, 2005 - 05:53pm PT
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“Take time every day to smile at someone you don't know. It is the little acts of random kindness that, in the end, make a bigger difference.”
Anyone who met Erica will remember her forever. That smile is impossible to forget.
you were, and continue to be, and inspiration to us all.
-Link
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daisyb
climber
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Jul 22, 2005 - 12:25am PT
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In June 1996
Erica wrote: "...That's what you must continue to do; fly high, and once you are soaring, fly even higher. Their [i love her terrible spelling. it always made me smile} are some people I worry about, not sure if they will be able to move through life...You won't move through life, you will live life and I promise that I will be part of your journeys. I don't care how far or on what mountain I'll be on...I never leave or forget the people I love...Don't let anyone bring you down. Remember I'm here and our wounderful [that spelling again, she's so cute!] spirited energy could never be broken by anything. I'm ready to fly with you sharon."
I feel like i can hear her laugh, her contagious, loud, awesome laugh. Sometimes an occasional adorable snort if she's laughing really hard. I cannot imagine a more incredible human being. So giving, and pure. Her mother's favorite story, I think is when she sent me a get well card that she made herself. It was a few pages long. It had polaroid pictures attached to each page. And on the front page, she wrote, "since you aren't feeling so well, i got some men get naked for you." And the card was full of naked polaroid pictures of her friends. She would do anything and everything to make someone smile.
Remember, that Erica never leaves those that she loves, and that she will always be here, and we will never forget her either. Also remember what she wrote, to "live life." If it was one thing that was so important to her, it was to "live life."
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.
Sharon
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daisyb
climber
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Jul 22, 2005 - 12:36am PT
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So make sure you live your life, it's what she would have wanted.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 22, 2005 - 01:25am PT
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Thank you so much to all of Erica's friends and family who have posted.
Gabrielle, I printed up the 2 lessons your little sister taught you about life and e-mailed those thoughts to just about everyone I know and attributed it to the memory of a good friend who is no longer among us right now, but in spirit will never be forgotten. Just about everyone has been moved by it and wishing they could have met someone so inspired and full of goodness. Little things that are easy to forget but so need to be remembered every day....like smiling at a stranger, how that can go a long way to making the world a brighter place.
Olivier - thanks so much for the Astroman story. That is CLASSIC Erica, and that's what made her one of a kind the likes of which I may never know again. Someone that kind, sweet, and ego-free being such a badass still that she can decide to head up Astroman mid-day, in sketch conditions at the hardest parts, send it proud and make it down to the caf for dinner. Most hardcore guys I know have Astroman on their list, some for years, waiting for when they feel "strong enough" or "ready" enough to go for it. Not Erica, it's something she wanted to do that day and she just went for it. And of course got up it through adversity that would have turned around 99% of those attempting it (a soaking wet Harding Slot). Your story about your trip up Astroman brought both a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. That kind of pure, driven, enthusiastic climbing joy is SUCH a rarity and one of the things that made Erica so refreshing and unique. And no one would have known she did it - and in such proud style - had you not shared that story. Cause Erica wasn't about spraying online or bragging about her achievements to everyone. She was all about "that was FUN!! What's NEXT?" and it was onward and upward to the next goal. No lulling in the moment and resting on glory.
And to Erica's childhood friends and college roomies, thanks so much for posting your stories. I know people like Erica don't become that way overnight and it's so cool to hear that she's always been this joyous, happy, full of life creature that I knew. The story about her "Cookies!!" at summer camp, grocery shopping for the most useless items with a new college roomies, walking around campus in the cold in a down jacket and shorts...that's all so much the Erica I knew at a later point in her life from when you knew her. Seems she always maintained that sense of joy and fun about living her life for all of the time she was on this planet.
Dammit I miss her. :(
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Gab
climber
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Jul 22, 2005 - 02:03am PT
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All of your love and support has been my back bone during this unbearable time. Erica has 3 small nephews who will never fully understand what a contageous spirit my sister had but I am constantly printing up this forum so that I will have stories to share with them when they are old enough to understand.
For those of you who are requesting information on where to send donations, we, once things calm down a bit, are thinking about starting a scholarship in her honor at UVM for those who want to get an education about the great outdoors. More details to follow.
As for the services, ALL ARE WELCOME!!! My sister was an all inclusive person and so are we as a family. She considered each and everyone of you family and so do we. You mourn her passing just as we do and are all invited to attend.
As for right now times are still contingent upon when she will arive from pakistan but we believe it will be on Sunday, July 24 2005. As for the time, you will have to call the chapel to find out.
SINAI CHAPELS
162-05 HORACE HARDING EXPRESSWAY @ 162 STREET NORTH SIDE OF THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY
FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11365
(718)445-0300
And again you are all welcome.
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 22, 2005 - 02:49am PT
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Gab,
Thank you for the kind words and the generous invitation. I really wish that I could be there if not to meet you and your three boys. I'd like you to know that you are just as much in my thoughts as your sister and I am hoping that you and your young boys have a lifetime ahead of rich, wonderful adventures of your own. You all have an angel watching over you ... except of course this one has a hardshell helmet and headlight... May it always shine brightly in your lives...
Peace.
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strangeoats525
climber
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Jul 23, 2005 - 02:07am PT
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I met Erica at some point at UVM. We weren't super close friends, but I remember her well. I'd always see Erica at the climbing wall when I went to the gym. Occasionally her big warm smile that we all remember so well, and enthusiastic demeanor lured me to skip the weights and try the wall. Erica was the first person to really teach me how to belay, and later I think during our senior year was the first person to ever take me (through a UVM outing club trip) climbing outdoors. We climbed at Lake Dunmore in VT. I remember feeling all excited to climb on real rock for the first time, but still really had no idea what I was doing. Erica had this way about her, that even with her tons of experience and incredible climbing skills, she could make us newbies feel comfortable, teach us skills, and get us so excited about the little introductory things we were doing. It didn't matter that we were top roping on a climb with our brand new shoes that she simply walked straight up in her hiking boots and pack to set up the anchor!
I also remember leading a uvm TREK trip on the Long Trail, our group of 10 stopping to admire a view. Our group was beat, after all we were probably hiking 7 or 8 miles -- and then Erica shows up. She was wearing sneakers, a pack, and had headphones on, all alone. She stopped to say a warm hello to our group and take in the view real quick, and then went on her way. Apparently she was hiking the Long Trail solo in some superfast timespan (anyone know how quick she did it?) and probably hiked 20 or 30 miles that day. I remember all of our group members (and myself) feeling so amazed and impressed.
I'm taking my sister backpacking for the first time in her life this weekend and we'll be on the Long Trail. I'll be thinking of Erica while I'm out there, as I know she's walked that very same trail. I'll try my hardest to emulate Erica's leadership and teaching style, as I teach my sister new skills. We can all learn so much from Erica.
And so those are two of my memories of Erica I thought I'd share. I've really only known her through uvm oc stuff and through mutual friends, but I wish I'd gotten to know her more. I'll never forget that smile though, and I'll never forget how comfortable it was learning from her, even with all of her experience and her ripped physique! :)
My memory of Erica combined with everything I've read here is truly inspiring. She is someone who really lived life. I'd say many, if not most people can live long lives without truly living to the extent that she had. My deepest condolences to Erica's family, friends, and climbing partners. She was an incredible woman, may she rest in peace.
Jonathan
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Michael Moron
Social climber
Davison, MI
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Jul 23, 2005 - 02:16am PT
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After reading the posts here I feel like I truly missed out on a part of life by not knowing her. The personal nature of these posts make me feel like I did know her. My condolences and prayers to all of you.
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AKutzer
Trad climber
Austin, TX
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Jul 23, 2005 - 01:08pm PT
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I never met Erica, but like so many other climbers, after reading about her, I wish I had. The stories of her are inspiring, and make me want to live the same kind of life. I have laughed and nearly cried, just reading them.
My condolences to the family and friends; and thank you for the stories and pictures of her life.
I'd be honored to see more of both, if anyone has them, and I'm sure others on this forum feel the same.
Minimally, I hope to adopt her outlook on life, and would encourage others to do the same, and in that way, perhaps she can live on in a way through all of us.
May she rest in peace.
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Ammon
Big Wall climber
Lake Arrowhead
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Jul 23, 2005 - 02:34pm PT
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This is so sad. We all love you Erica. I'm holding strong to the possibility that you're still out there..... somewhere.
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Moof
Trad climber
A cube at my soul sucking job in Nor. CA
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Jul 23, 2005 - 03:45pm PT
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I had the pleasure of getting to know Erica back in ~May of '03. At the time she was climbing her with boyfriend Steffan (sp?) from New Zealand. A number of us were hanginging together and sharing sites in Red Rocks.
Pete (from New Foundland), Finn (from Scotland), and I climbed Frogland in Red Rocks while she and Kevin Sturmer (from Colorado) were on Epinepherin. When we topped out we looked over and saw them on the last "real" pitch of the route (just 700 more feet of massively exposed 4th class from there...). I still have the picture that Pete took, where she shows up as about 3 blue pixels. Back at the campground we all got pretty nervous after it had been ~5 hours since we saw them on that last pitch. Somewhere in the chimneys one of her sandals took the big ride. At the top of the tower she chucked the other one as useless weight. To get off she cut off her sleeves and used a whole roll of climbing tape (the first aid kit) to fashion "shoes". Kevin went on ahead to get the packs and got in the wrong gulley. He described downclimbing past rap stations... The next day Kevin bailed for work, and we all took a rest day. She turned us onto the hot springs down at Hoover damn.
A few weeks later I ran into her out at Lovers Leap. My favorite was seeing her run out as all f*#k on Fantasia hollering over if I saw any bolts. Nope. So she happily bounded up the knobs looking even more run out as all f*#k, yet all without a care in the world. She also shared her pics from Red Rocks after I left, including a bunch of really nice B&W's, one of which I believe is the rappeling picture.
If anyone wants the few pics I have of her out there I'll happily forward them on.
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nickerbockerbean
Social climber
lebanon, pa
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Jul 23, 2005 - 04:12pm PT
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I never climbed with Erica, but I did get to spend 8 hours with her in her CRV once. It was the last time I saw her, and we talked about everything from boys to biking. She was wearing this ridiculous outfit and spent most of the drive sitting backwards in the passenger seat (claiming it was more comfortable). The car was packed to the gills and she was constantly leaning over me to adjust the book she had wedged in the window to keep it up.
Up until our drive I'd heard more about her than actually spent time with her. She made a close friend of mine very happy and even though I didn't know her well, I liked her for that. The times I did get to hang out with her were hilarious; but after our drive I had a deeper appreciation. It was very clear that Erica truly lived every moment to its fullest. She crammed more experiences into her 27 years than most of us can ever hope for. Spending a few hours with her, made me want to conquer mountains and wear uni-tards too (and that is very unlike me).
I thought it would be hard to find words to describe somebody like Erica, but there are a few good ones - exciting, passionate, sincere. Erica is a constant reminder that you can never be too outrageous and life is meant to be lived.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jul 23, 2005 - 06:34pm PT
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Those are remarkable stories. I hope when I die folks will write a tenth of the inspiring things written about Erica. When a force of nature like her spins through people's lives, a passionate slip stream pulls everyone into a more sparkling, vibrant orbit, a place we all know but which usually remains just out of reach or strangely obscured, like the lyrics of a half-remembered song. The great ones live the possibilities open to us all, leaving nothing unsung. There is a sweet yet plaintive music to these souls that lingers for years in that slip stream, allowing them to be present when they're infinitely distant.
For Erica, most every day was Christmas, and as I sit here wondering about the person and the future and the lyric of her soul, I know her song lives on and from her own special dreamland she will sing it still. It's been sung ten thousand times before by great ones living and gone and the words go like this:
I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more then I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
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James
Gym climber
City by the Bay
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Jul 23, 2005 - 11:09pm PT
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My condolensces go out to her family and all her friends. I'm fortunate that I had the opportunity to know her. She will remain a bright star illuminating the midnight sky. She will be missed greatly.
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WBraun
climber
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Jul 23, 2005 - 11:31pm PT
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Me I can’t remember if I met her or not mostly because I meet so many people, I get lost. But I do know what human loss is like as I’ve seen so many families pass thru here after accidents and deaths along with several friends that have passed away over the years. I’ve seen so many deaths that I’ve become almost immune to the factor.
We are like sticks floating down the river and sometimes many sticks come together for some time. After some time the current of time separates the sticks and they float down stream onward.
But I do know how the heart feels when there is the loss of someone we love dearly. No amount of philosophy can relieve the pain of separation. Yes it is a very special pain.
I’m sorry I do not know what else to say for you the ones that loved her ……so much.
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BSchneider
climber
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Jul 24, 2005 - 02:23am PT
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Thank you everyone for your wonderful stories and thoughts; many of them have brought me to tears. Like many others, I was blessed by Erica's presence and friendship last summer in Camp 4. She helped teach me how to slackline, convinced me to try swinging those burning fireballs around my head, and helped me blend Margaritas. Yes, she thought my hand crank blender was one of the cooler pieces of technology in camp 4. As I loaded ice into the blender late one evening at a picnic table, she confessed that she'd been wanting to try her hand at cranking it. So I topped it off with all the necessary ingredients, threw on the lid, and gave her my standard tips on how to finesse the sometimes difficult to blend ice into the proper consistency. She grabbed the handle, flashed her enormous grin, and with her arms that made me wonder why I hadn't done more curls the past winter gave my poor blender the toughest revolution it'd ever seen. Picnic table and campfire chit-chat was silenced as my blender emitted a loud squeal accompained by a small explosion. A few of us boys spent an hour trying to piece together the damage, but it was margaritas on the rocks after that. Erica was so strong and good humored--we laughed about my stupid blender for hours. "Don't worry," she said. "REI will take care of it!" Erica, thanks for that memory and the precious gift of laughter.
Ben
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nature
climber
Flagstaff, AZ
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Jul 24, 2005 - 09:28pm PT
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My condolensces to family and friends. I never met her - her name doesn't ring a bell. Thanks for the wonderful stores. It's pretty clear we've (probably) lost a wonderful person.
Doug
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Courtney
Trad climber
California
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Jul 25, 2005 - 01:42pm PT
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Erica's service was held yesterday--I was unable to attend--I'd love to hear from someone who was there!
Below is the information I received on where we can send contributions in memory of Erica.
UVM Outing Club
Attention: John Abbott
Erica Kutcher Memorial Fund
Department of Student Life
48 University Place
Burlington, Vermont 05405
(802) 656-7729
Here is the UVM Outing Club mission statement:
The University of Vermont Outing Club, founded in 1932, is run by students. Membership is open to the entire university community. Our purpose is to promote the enjoyment of our natural environment, make friends, and to have a lot of fun in the outdoors. We offer trips of all types, at levels from beginner to expert. We provide all the equipment and instruction you need. It's fun! It's cheap!! So stop by the house, sign up for a trip, or stay for a meeting. You'll be glad you did!
Here is a sampling of courses they offer:
Avalanche Level I Course @ Tuckerman’s Ravine (I)
Learn how to safely travel in avalanche terrain while pursuing skiing, riding & climbing objectives. Learn how to assess terrain & snow pack, use transceivers & basics of search & rescue techniques.
Price $175 p/p (includes: instruction, certification, food & equipment)
Ice Climbing Skill Development
Women’s Ice Climbing Weekend
Join OC ice climbing staff to explore the basics of equipment, top rope systems and axe & crampon technique. 2 day clinic, Saturday and Sunday Limit 6. $50
Weekend Trip: Hiking the Kinsman Ridge- Enjoy spring in the White Mnts with the backdrop of Cannon and the Presidential range Limit 6- $35
Full Moon Hike: Jump on the Camel’s Hump! (R)
Hike up Camel’s Hump under the glistening moonlight. March 10 only! Limit 9. $10
There is more info on the website: http://www.uvm.edu/~outside/
I've also heard that friends and acquaintances want to throw a celebration in Yosemite, there's an idea Jamie had to create something in honor of Erica in Yosemite--maybe through the planned climbing museum, etc.
May we all remember and celebrate Erica in all our unique ways--and always reflecting her amazing spirit!
Sincerely,
Courtney
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Scottie G
climber
Great Neck - Now Los Angeles
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Jul 25, 2005 - 08:41pm PT
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WOW...i grew up with Erica...i went to grade school with her. She is one of the oldest friends i remember from growing up. I remember playing outside in the back of the school during recess and always having a blast. i remember her infectious smile and her beautiful little dimples. I remember how she was always positive and energetic. I remember hanging out with her and sharon for hours after school. I remember how she had the most darling little frame and the greatest legs...even at that age.
I moved out of great neck in the 8th grade and once crossed paths with her again during our college years.
I was so deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Although death is the last part of life, it should happen at the end of life...not at the beginning. It is always unfair for parents to out-live their children. There is no answer as to why or what could i have done...the answer is always to have supported them in whatever it was that they were doing and always have unconditional love be the center for that type of support.
I have had the misfortune of losing too many friends of our age over the past 15 years and i know what it is like for the friends, family, and most improtantly the people who have been touched anywhere...everywhere.
In this case, Erica touched everyone. She left no-one wondering about her persona, shining-soul or heart of gold as we can clearly tell from all of the tremendous and wonderful comments and wishes she has been left with!
I was so glad to see all of the feedback which has taken place here and in other posting areas, she really has touched us all in a special way.
I extend my condolences to the family, i do not know if you remember me, but i remember you all.
The one thing that i can say for sure, and hope for me and everyone else in this world is that we all perish doing what we love. There is no better way...Dale Earnhardt in a car, Astronauts in space, divers in the ocean, pilots in a plane, and climbers on a rock.
Erica...YOU ROCKED!!!
We were blessed by her soul, and that will never perrish!
LIVE FOREVER ERICA...MUCH LOVE!!!
-Scottie
Scott Gorelick
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Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 25, 2005 - 08:57pm PT
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To Gab and Erica's other family who have been following this thread -
I very much wished I could have been there for Erica's service this past weekend. But since I'm on the west coast and couldn't attend, I decided to do my own for her. Climbed Cathedral Peak in Tuolumne. A site of many of Erica's joyous solos. Started late in the day so I could be atop as the sun set and I knew she could be up there sharing that gorgeous view with me. And as I looked from the summit block as the sun hit the horizon and started to set, I know wherever she was she was also relishing the beauty of that moment and that place. She'll always be a part of those she touched.
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Klinga
Trad climber
Boulder
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Jul 26, 2005 - 08:53pm PT
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I met Erica briefly this past May in the Valley. My partner and I had just finished Astroman and found a ridiculous pair of bug eye type sunglasses at the base of the column. They were kind of banged up which made me think they had fallen from above. But who would wear such crazy sunglasses rock climbing? Well I wore them down to the Awanhee parking lot. Across the way I saw Erica she was wearing some interesting clothing might I add. If I remember correctly it consisted of sequin disco shorts and an eighties style tee shirt that hung over her shoulder. Right away I knew I had found the owner of the sunglasses. My partner and I went over and introduced ourselves to Erica and Pierre upon returning the sunglasses. Walking away I couldn't help but think about how interesting a person it would take to climb the south face in a push wearing the ridiculous clothes Erica wore. This moment taught me how important it is that as climbers we always strive to have as much fun as Erica did. Thank you Erica for this moment, rest in peace.
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 27, 2005 - 11:43am PT
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Update: Erica's parents, David and Blossom Kutcher, have provided us with information that should appear particularly alarming to us all --and especially so to the rock-climbing community. Please read below:
Pierre Olsson, Erica Kutcher's climbing partner, seems to be held hostage by the Pakistanis in Islamabad. The Pakistanis are threatening him with detention and possible incarceration if $17,000+ and $6,000+ is not paid to Askari Aviations (a military helicopter service) and Blu Sky Tours, respectively. This position is outrageous and unconscionable. We know, as Americans, that if a Pakistani citizen went missing in the United States, whether it be in the Rockies, in Alaska, in the desert, in a state or national park, or a cornfield in Iowa, all stops would be pulled to find him using volunteer, local, state and national resources without cost to the lost Pakistani or his government.
Please contact any source (personal, media, political) you may have to stop this atrocity and enable Pierre to return home now. Please continue to pass this request along. Thank you... Erica Kutcher's Family on behalf of Pierre Olsson.
I am personally asking for anyone/everyone who reads this to please send it out to any one of the newspaper services local to you, or especially those from whom we had been reading updates about our Erica... Despite their loss and sense of grief, the Kutchers have shown us (once again) their generousity and compassion in focusing their attention away from their personal sadness and on the release of Pierre.
Please assist us in these efforts and we will keep you updated as to the situaton...
Thank you.
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Wrathchild
climber
right behind you
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Jul 27, 2005 - 12:05pm PT
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That is despicable!
Boycott Pakistan mountaineering!
Will we be seeing FREE PIERRE Bumper stickers now?
Was this a sponsor driven expedition, If so they need to pony up in a hurry.
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 27, 2005 - 01:59pm PT
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Yeah, it's the Swedish officials (since he's not a US citizen) at the embassy in Pakistan that will be doing the leg work to help Pierre out of this situation. I'm very sorry to hear about the predicament and I hope he gets out immediately. I'll contact my friend, again, to see if she has any contacts that could find out more about the situation or who to pressure in Islamabad.
Ed
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Holly Wood
Mountain climber
Bozeman, Montana
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Jul 27, 2005 - 03:21pm PT
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Howdy all to Erica's family and friends and climbing partners,
I put together an email address with a connection to a photo website (Snapfish) so we can all pool together our pics of our dear fallen friend and share them.
This is a great way to share stories of her life told with pictures. The folder can easily be added to by any of us and it's free and easy to do. If anybody wants prints of some of the photos it's also easy to do and very inexpensive and of a fine quality.
To get to the folder just go to the email I created for us all to access:
photosoferica@gmail.com
The password to access the email address is:
campfourprincess
Go to the first message in the inbox and open it. At the bottom right side of the page is a yellow bar reading "view album". Click on this and do a QUICK and easy sign up for Snapfish (free and no credit card info involved). Voila! You're done and the website is user friendly and prints can be ordered, no sweat.
It would be great if everybody can add some pics and share with the rest of us. I't easy to add them to the folder. If anybody has any problems adding photos or what not just email me the pics and I'll upload them to the folder. My email address is:
mr.mountainsurfer@gmail.com
Climb on Erica
~Hollywood
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jul 27, 2005 - 03:42pm PT
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I can't make any sense of what you just wrote. How do you accesws an e-mail address? I only know how to access a web page, and that web address--if it is one--doesn't work for me.
JL
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malabarista
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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Jul 27, 2005 - 03:55pm PT
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That is a really weird way to post photos. Don't you realize that anyone can take over this email account once they login? You could just post a link to the photos on the snapfish site instead.
[EDIT] -No need to log in to that email account go here:
http://www.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=25685747/t_=23318659
And no you don't have to create an account to login to snapfish, just use this one:
emailid: nayhoema@yahoo.com
password: photos
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 28, 2005 - 02:45am PT
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(Written for no other reason than "just because"...hope you don't mind...)
Too many years ago (sigh) when I had the opportunity to live in Colorado, my favorite pastime was downhill skiing. I could tell you to the very penny how much it would cost for gas, food, lift tickets, and the essential non-essentials. It never changed week to week and in a Chevy Nova that sometimes was minus reverse, I traveled up to Breckenridge, Copper, and Keystone. Okay, I made that up… It was almost always Breckenridge. I felt immortal back in those days and there was nothing more satisfying that a trip to the mountains to spend the entire day on the slopes. I shake my head now wondering how many risks I took – physically, financially and stupidly… Like the climbers that write about their pleasures on the rock, you can’t imagine the joy of mastering a new slope still landing on both feet. I was young (still am… sort of) and didn’t imagine all the responsibilities that come with injuries, emergencies, and other such matters.
So when I read about Erica, and then Pierre I have to say – there but for the grace of G-d go I. I was always on a shoe-string budget focused on a glass half full not empty. All the comments that have been posted here, there and everywhere make so much sense. One day we were all wondering about Erica and hoping she would come out with a story of eating paper and yellow snow for a week which would cause us to laugh for awhile. The next day we were feeling more frantic. The next few days were more frightening until finally we, her family and friends, are picking up pieces from the storm that has just passed through.
I have to believe Pierre did not expect any of this. Neither did Erica. I have to believe that a walk on her own was never intended to lead her into an avalanche. Erica had a passion to live and not a death wish. And I am glad that Pierre was not there to join her as we might be dealing with the loss of another good friend.
I can only say that the cost for climbing, for safety, and adventure, truly comes at a steep price.
I am so sorry that all of us are having to split the atom on whose responsibility it is to locate, rescue and return a sports enthusiast overseas and back to America. I know that we are not talking about a simple few dollars here and it is scary listening to everyone talk about the cost of emergency care and service operations. And while some of us would like to live in the parallel universe and believe all Nations are created equal, it simply is not so.
I am not sure of what is the right answer here. Really, with everything that has gone on in the past few weeks I just want to see Pierre get back as safely and quickly as possible. Then maybe we can all just breathe for awhile.
In the meantime, I want to say again how very very appreciative the Kutchers are to Each and Every One of you folks… for caring, for questioning, and for wanting to help in some way… I personally am very grateful to you all…
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Tara Brooke
climber
New York
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Jul 29, 2005 - 12:38am PT
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Gabby, Blossom and David,
I am still in such shock over this great loss. Erica was a beautiful, energetic girl; she was fearless and lived her life to follow and acchieve her ambitions.
My heart goes out to your family. Erica and you will be in my prayers.
The service was so beautiful; I loved hearing all the great stories about Erica. I know she wouldn't have wanted anyone to cry, but it was to hard to not.
Erica has inspired me to live my life; follow my dreams, and to be fearless and adventurous.
I have so many memories of growing up with Erica; waiting for the school bus on the corner, school, playdates.
When I think of Erica, my soul is filled with the color yellow; as I always associated Erica with the sun, yellow flowers, all things yellow that are beautiful, warm your spirit and make you happy.
I met a rabbi on a flight yesterday, and he could see the sadness in my eyes; he asked why I was sad. I then told him. I also let him know what the rabbi at the service had said; each time we do a mitzvah, the higher Erica will ascend to heaven and G-d. The rabbi and I discussed this belief on the flight. Every week I will do a mitzvah just for erica; whether it is through prayer, lighting shabbat candels for her, whatever it is, it will be just for Erica.
I know you are so proud of Erica and all her accomplishments. She has been to places, touched more lives, and lived her life in a way people can only dream to live. Erica was true to herself, her calling; which is why she was able to spread her love and spirit on to other people.
Everybody knew a different Erica; family Erica, Growing-up with Erica, College Erica, Rock/Mountain climbing/Ski Patrol Erica; yet at the same time everybody knew the same Erica, smiling, loving, caring, adventerous and vivacious.
Erica- I love you and will never forget you.
Blossom, David, Gabby my family and I are here for you. We love you all, and are just so saddened from this loss.
All my love,
Tara Brooke
(Gordon)
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 29, 2005 - 03:24am PT
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To all friends and family...
Great news! Just received this e-mail two minutes ago. Enjoy!
I accompanied Mr. Olsson to the airport this morning and saw him through the proceedings. He left Pakistan and will be back in Sweden by Saturday evening.
Ann Wilkens
Ambassador of Sweden
----- Forwarded by Ann Wilkens/FOREIGN/MINISTRY on 2005-07-29 10:01 -----
Annette Rosenberg/FOREIGN/MINISTRY
2005-07-29 09:44
UD Islamabad(amb)
Annette Rosenberg
Embassy of Sweden
House 4, Street 5, F-6/3
Islamabad
Mail address: P O Box 1100
Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-282 87 12-14
E-mail: annette.rosenberg@foreign.ministry.se
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Jul 29, 2005 - 02:01pm PT
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Great! Very glad to hear this.
Ed
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jung
Big Wall climber
Subaru wagon
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Jul 30, 2005 - 08:25pm PT
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This one time i went climbing with erica in tolumne erica brought along her video camera and dressed me up in a crazy out fit. She then insisted that we make a movie while soloing cathedral peak. We handed off the camera as we passed each other and made up the script as we went. Two other parties got casted into the film as well, they were quite happy about us including them. I was just wondering if anyone knew where that video was, id love to see it again or post it on the net for all of her wayward friends and family.
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Sedonagal
climber
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Jul 31, 2005 - 01:57am PT
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this may be the last of my postings... i was a "tourist" in your rock-climbing community... i climbed in just to hear stories about a very special young woman and to marvel in her parents' love and support of their daughter's very unique lifestyle... i truly believe the kutchers have faced this adversity with tremendous courage and dignity...i have great respect for this family and forever will... i thank you all for keeping erica's spirt alive and helping her family to balance their grief with these wonderful tributes and warm thoughts... i did learn that erica's father assisted in sending the funds required for pierre to leave pakistan...pierre had been given a three-month grace period...i believe the issue is being resolved as you read this... again, my respect to the kutchers for what they have had to go through despite tremendous grief...it is wonderful to hear from pierre and i will look forward to his personal accounts... again, i am sending my thanks to you all... peace to all
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RICK Puddy
climber
CA
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EVERYONE IS RIGHT Erica had that special SPARK!! Something special that you only see in a few people you meet along the way. I met Erica in Paiju 2 weeks prior to her death while in route to K-2. In the 30min during our conversation she displayed a vibrant zest for life and an attitude of pure joy just to be there. I wish too send my deepest sympathy to her family and friends along with my prayers. God bless
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Michael Moron
Social climber
Davison, MI
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How come jerks never die? It is always the nice people it seems.:(
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Burns
Trad climber
Arlington, VA
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I'd like to start by sending my condolences to Erica's family and very wide circle of friends. I never had the good fortune to meet Erica, although I did hear her, screaming and thrashing her way up a dripping wet Harding Slot, a pitch my partner and I hadn't even considered doing. As we were preparing to rappel from the top of the 5th pitch of Astroman, Erica and her parter gave us a happy shout from the descent trail, a friendly hello to two climbers she didn't know. My partner had met her before and told me his Erica story while we hiked out.
That short memory, and the amazing response on this forum drew my attention to something that I guess I always felt but never put a finger on before: the real and palpable sense of community that we climbers share. If you sit down and talk with someone with a little silver in their hair, they'll probably be able to tell you stories about how in their younger days, people would say hello to one another, you'd look out for your neighbor and all it required was a common location. They'll also likely lament that this sense of community is gone, or at least dying.
But it isn't gone. Its just living off the grid, like so many of the itinerant dirtbags that have put their time in Camp 4 and had the chance to interact with Erica and all of the other people who are willing to risk it all just to Live.
Largo wrote: "I hope when I die folks will write a tenth of the inspiring things written about Erica". We should all be so lucky. But in this little international community of ours, we all have the chance to touch people and make memories in ways that other people may never know or understand. We all to some degree risk dying. Erica has provided a great example of how we can live life so infectiously that when our day comes to meet our Maker, our spirit will live on through the people we have touched and the stories they share.
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Mountain Man
Trad climber
Outer space
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It's so clear that a rare and beautiful person has been lost. Too much death in the community lately and I sorrow with her family and friends over the hole in their lives left by her passing.
Let's remember, despite any petty differences, to love and care for each other, as if each moment may be our last.
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Gab
climber
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Aug 11, 2005 - 09:41pm PT
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I, too, have been a tourist in this community since the tragedy. To all of those who are thinking of throwing a party in her honor, I think it's somthing that would be right up her alley. I, unfortunatley living on the east coast can't join in immediately, but let's not forget next year. I think instead of having such a sad memorial next year, I think I'm going to come out to yosemite myself. Just a part of my sister that I need to connect with. Please keep in touch with me so that we can plan an all out. If you want to laugh, I got my picture taken of my aura today and right on my right hand shoulder was a white light..the woman said it was my guardian angel....I went with a few friends, none of them had white anywhere on their pics..I know that she has now passed to bigger and better things and wants us all to heal. so let's throw this party. Just remember, I"m not a thin little athlete that erica was..I'm the complete polar opposite, but just to watch one of you do it will help complete my healing...so what do you say to this party??
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AKutzer
Trad climber
From Texas to Tahoe
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Aug 11, 2005 - 09:57pm PT
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Gab -
I, for one, would be honored to "tie one on" with you in Yosemite, and I didn't even know your sister.
And I'm not laughing at the aura pic anecdote, either.
I think, from these stories, at least, that you have the right idea - it sounds as though a party would do her more justice.
my .02
Aaron
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up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
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Aug 12, 2005 - 12:54pm PT
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Absolutely count me in. I'll plan my Yosemite trip to coincide with it next year -- just set a date. Early/mid June is usually peak time for climbers to visit. This could turn into one HELLUVA party! ;-)
Ed
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RICK Puddy
climber
CA
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Gab-
Count me in as well, however I may be in Pakistan durring this time, and possibly at or near Shipton spire. If you have any requests..... or of something to leave there let me know.
God Bless
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Tahoe climber
Trad climber
a dark-green forester out west
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Feb 25, 2008 - 08:20pm PT
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Bump.
Seemed to go along with the susie thread.
*sigh*
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