Being a realist I can certainly understand and share your views on mortality. I also appreciate your kind words of support. Accidents in mountaineering happen and what happened to Stefan was truly an unfortunate accident. It was a brilliant day to be in the mountains, even more so given the fact that I could share it with a new friend. I will always remeber Stefan, his zest for life and climbing and how he was always happy to meet fellow climbers along the way.
It must be difficult to relive the experience, but thank you for doing so and putting your experience into writing. It is tragic how quickly accidents can occur. All the best,
Cameron
I was at Plaza Argentina when it happened! Very sad, very tragic...my condolences. Did he have any problems with AMS or exhaustion? Or did he just accidentally slip?
Thanks. Stefan did not have any problems with AMS but was tired just before we separated. He did not look like he was so tired that it would have affected him on the descent but we'll never know. I believe it was an accidental slip.
To be honest I can't say that I ever felt guilty. We all make our own decisions in the mountains. I have gone through several what if scenarios but I won't dwell on those because it won't change the past.
I sincerely hope no one else would have to go this experience, however, mountaineering is a risky and I'm sure it will happen again. Many of us will never be satisfied living a sedentary lifestyle and will seek out adventure so we can live and not just exist.
Here's to future adventures wherever, and with whomever, they may take us.
Thanks for sharing this Brad. I put myself in your position mentally as I read your excellent description. It was a tough read but I could almost feel the snow under my crampons and axe.
My sincere condolences to you and to Stefan's family.
I'm afraid to ask since you didn't detail it. Was it an ice slip? A missed foothold? A failed arrest? It is more than ok if now is not the time to ask. Again, my condolences.
Thank you Brad for so beautifully sharing what must be a very difficult story to tell. Time in the mountains can really forge a solid friendship in a short amount of time. Sincere condolences to Stefan's family.
I have long wanted to climb Aconcagua as I first heard about this Mountain from Alan Arnette. Whenever I hear about tragic events like this I am always sobered again that death is never far away while engaging this sport.
Brad Marshall - Jan 18, 2009 12:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Peace....Hi Rick:
Being a realist I can certainly understand and share your views on mortality. I also appreciate your kind words of support. Accidents in mountaineering happen and what happened to Stefan was truly an unfortunate accident. It was a brilliant day to be in the mountains, even more so given the fact that I could share it with a new friend. I will always remeber Stefan, his zest for life and climbing and how he was always happy to meet fellow climbers along the way.
Regards,
Brad
andre hangaard - Jan 18, 2009 8:39 am - Hasn't voted
Thanksfor sharing Brad, a very tragic story. Take care. André
Brad Marshall - Jan 18, 2009 12:17 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: ThanksThanks Andre.
Brad
camerona91 - Jan 18, 2009 4:23 pm - Hasn't voted
Thank you for sharingIt must be difficult to relive the experience, but thank you for doing so and putting your experience into writing. It is tragic how quickly accidents can occur. All the best,
Cameron
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 7:49 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Thank you for sharingThanks Cameron. I was difficult but my goal was to tell our fellow SPers what type of person Stefan was and how easily it was to become friends.
Regards,
Brad
msihl - Jan 18, 2009 8:30 pm - Hasn't voted
hiI was at Plaza Argentina when it happened! Very sad, very tragic...my condolences. Did he have any problems with AMS or exhaustion? Or did he just accidentally slip?
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 7:54 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: hiHi msihl:
Thanks. Stefan did not have any problems with AMS but was tired just before we separated. He did not look like he was so tired that it would have affected him on the descent but we'll never know. I believe it was an accidental slip.
Brad
MoapaPk - Jan 19, 2009 12:30 am - Voted 10/10
intenseI thought you had just met him. I didn't realize you had been climbing with him and were the first to see the body. I'm really sorry.
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 7:56 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: intenseHi MoapaPK:
Yes, we just met on Aconcagua. Stefan made a lot of new friends in the few days we spent together and it's a sad end to a beautiful climb.
Best regards,
Brad
Sierra Ledge Rat - Jan 19, 2009 1:21 am - Voted 10/10
ThanksThanks for sharing Brad
It took me 30 years to get over survivor's guilt after a climbing accident, hope you aren't feeling guilty yourself.
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 8:02 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: ThanksHi SLR:
To be honest I can't say that I ever felt guilty. We all make our own decisions in the mountains. I have gone through several what if scenarios but I won't dwell on those because it won't change the past.
Thanks for asking and kindest regards,
Brad
MountainHikerCO - Jan 19, 2009 12:18 pm - Voted 10/10
CondolencesBrad
Thank you for sharing. I can’t imagine going through something so terrible. My sincere condolences to Stefan’s family and friends.
Ian
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 8:25 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: CondolencesHi MHCO:
I sincerely hope no one else would have to go this experience, however, mountaineering is a risky and I'm sure it will happen again. Many of us will never be satisfied living a sedentary lifestyle and will seek out adventure so we can live and not just exist.
Here's to future adventures wherever, and with whomever, they may take us.
Regards,
Brad
jimlup - Jan 19, 2009 12:57 pm - Voted 10/10
Thanks! The read gave me chills.Thanks for sharing this Brad. I put myself in your position mentally as I read your excellent description. It was a tough read but I could almost feel the snow under my crampons and axe.
My sincere condolences to you and to Stefan's family.
I'm afraid to ask since you didn't detail it. Was it an ice slip? A missed foothold? A failed arrest? It is more than ok if now is not the time to ask. Again, my condolences.
MoapaPk - Jan 19, 2009 3:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Thanks! The read gave me chills.I don't see how he could know, since he didn't see the fall, but sounds like 1+3.
jimlup - Jan 19, 2009 3:25 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Thanks! The read gave me chills.Based on the snow at the fall site. But yeah, that would be stretch.
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 8:08 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Thanks! The read gave me chills.Thanks jimlup. I truly believe it was just an accidental slip.
Brad
Travis Atwood - Jan 19, 2009 3:05 pm - Voted 10/10
Thank youThank you Brad for so beautifully sharing what must be a very difficult story to tell. Time in the mountains can really forge a solid friendship in a short amount of time. Sincere condolences to Stefan's family.
Brad Marshall - Jan 19, 2009 8:11 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Thank youSo true Travis. It's amazing how much you can learn about someone in such a short period of time.
Take care,
Brad
saddlestradler - Jan 19, 2009 4:07 pm - Hasn't voted
future...I have long wanted to climb Aconcagua as I first heard about this Mountain from Alan Arnette. Whenever I hear about tragic events like this I am always sobered again that death is never far away while engaging this sport.