Bogley

[jumar]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=847134

Ice Climber Falls to His Death in Provo Canyon
January 30th, 2007 @ 12:29pm
Sam Penrod Reporting

An ice climber fell to his death this morning near Bridal Veil Falls.

It's a tragic day for ice climbers, after a man died late this morning, after falling more than 200 feet to his death.

The man was ice climbing in Provo Canyon, just west of Bridal Veil Falls in an area known ironically as the stairway to heaven.

It is still not known whether there was an equipment malfunction or the ice was not strong enough, but we do know that the man fell from the second tier of ice down to the third tier of ice.



There were two other ice climbers in the area who called for help, but before they reached him, the victim had died from extensive head injuries.

Dennis Harris, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "We're in the process right now of recovering. We do know that he was wearing protective head-gear, but ya know that's quite a fall also."

Right now, several members of the Utah County Search and Rescue are on the mountain recovering the victim's body. It is a dangerous situation, but something that searchers here are well trained at doing.

So far, the victim's name has not been released. Police are not sure if he is from Utah.

Provo Canyon is known around the world for ice-climbing. It is a very popular place because that area is very steep, where there is water coming from the falls and it is also shaded from the sun during the entire winter.

[Iceaxe]

:popcorn:

[B]

I'm confused. So was he climbing solo?

[Brian in SLC]

B wrote: I'm confused. So was he climbing solo?

I would assume so.

Stairway was in good shape for climbing, according to friends who'd done it and the visual we got last weekend driving by (enroute to Stewart Falls).

Sad deal. Condolences to friends and family.

-Brian in SLC

[Sombeech]

That sucks.

[Iceaxe]

Authorities say the victim was a very experienced ice climber. He was 32 years old. He was climbing with a partner. He was wearing a helmet. Still no names.

Here is the news video
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=847134

[Brian in SLC]

Iceaxe wrote: Authorities say the victim was a very experienced ice climber. He was 32 years old. He was climbing with a partner. He was wearing a helmet. Still no names.

Here is the news video
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=847134

Its in the trib this morning.

Christopher Hunnicutt.

Sad deal.

-Brian in SLC

[JP]

Brian in SLC wrote: Its in the trib this morning.

Christopher Hunnicutt.

Sad deal.

-Brian in SLC
Sure is.

[basilone0331]

I can across this while browsing the Black Diamond webpage

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/about/index.php
Chris Hunnicutt
August 4, 1974 – January 30, 2007

On January 30th, 2007, Black Diamond lost a family member, fellow climber, employee and friend, Chris Hunnicutt. Chris, a 32-year-old transplant to Salt Lake City, lost his life while climbing Stairway to Heaven (WI5) in Provo Canyon. An experienced ice and rock climber, Chris was climbing with his partner and was just topping-out the third pitch when he apparently lost his footing. His last piece of protection was well below him, resulting in a lead-fall of the entire pitch where he struck a ledge and died on the scene.

To say, “at least he died doing what he loves” is a bit cliché. Nevertheless he loved living life to the fullest. That and his infectious smile are what will most be remembered about Chris. You could dig and dig and never find a negative thing to say about the guy—but words like “great, positive, friendly, unassuming, caring, genuine, thoughtful and sincere” are just some of the terms that best describe our lost friend.

Chris, originally from Virginia, had recently relocated from Arizona to Salt Lake City to enjoy the abundant local climbing and work as a Regional Dealer Sales and Service Representative at Black Diamond. His quiet demeanor and unassuming get-it-done attitude made him instantly well liked. His death is a true loss for the Black Diamond family and the local climbing community. Chris leaves behind his brother, mother & father and many friends.

With shock and sadness at the tragic loss of a fellow BD employee, and a great friend to many,

The Black Diamond Family

P.S. Thank you to all those who've sent their condolences and fond wishes of support. Please check back soon for more information about ways you can help celebrate his memory.

[Glockguy]

Will there be a funeral here in Utah?

[DiscGo]

That really is sad. I honestly do not fear death, but I hate not knowing when it is coming. I am sure this guy had no idea this would be the last day of his life, and I think that is one of the saddest parts. Not to be too soft or repeat a cliche, but life really is fragile.

[jumar]

The 3rd pitch isn't 200 feet is it? The news said he fell 200 ft...?

[Brian in SLC]

jumar wrote: The 3rd pitch isn't 200 feet is it? The news said he fell 200 ft...?

I think more on the order of 160 feet, but, that's splitting hairs.

From the BD website:

"Chris was climbing with his partner and was just topping-out the third pitch when he apparently lost his footing. His last piece of protection was well below him, resulting in a lead-fall of the entire pitch where he struck a ledge and died on the scene."

I believe he was at the top of the pitch, and may have been in the process of placing an anchor. Rumor, but, I also heard one of his tools was at the top after he fell, indicating his hand was off it, probably in the process of placing gear.

-Brian in SLC