Climber Deceased on North Maroon Today.

[EatinHardtack Profile 14er Peak List (41) 14ers Skied (14)14ers in Winter (3)13er Peak List (45)Trip Reports]

RIP Derek. Condolences to his family and friends.

[anasarca76 Profile 14er Peak List (57) 13er Peak List (15)Trip Reports]

It seemed like he loved the mountains and really enjoyed every moment climbing, its so sad to hear this news... RIP Derek

[SurfNTurf Profile Website 14er Peak List (58) 14ers in Winter (23)13er Peak List (26)Trip Reports]

I'm very saddened by this news. Best wishes to family and friends as they cope with this tragedy.

[fleetmack Profile Website 14er Peak List (38) 13er Peak List (1)Trip Reports]

Rest in peace, man, I'll say a prayer for your wife, kids, friends, and family. You seemed like a good guy from what I've read.

[JB99 Profile 14er Peak List (41) 13er Peak List (8)Trip Reports]

My condolences to Derek's friends, family and all those around them dealing with this loss. Thank you to everyone who has shared photos and memories of Derek, somehow seeing his smile in all of those mountain pictures helps me wrap my head around this. I also want to send my thoughts out to Ian, Ed and everyone who was involved on the mountain that day.

I was at Maroon Lake with Jessica and our dog when this all took place. I planned on doing the traverse that day, S-N, but woke up to a look on Jessica's face that said I better not leave her alone all day while I went to climb some mountains. So, marital bliss being put first, we just hung out around the lake with the tourist hordes for a bit, snapping photos of the Bells. This is probably my best shot from the day, it was taken at 9:21 a.m.

If any of Derek's family/friends wants a digital copy I'd be happy to send it to them - just shoot me a PM with your email address. If the family would like, I'd be happy to get a print done and send it to them. Anyone who is in contact with them can send me a PM and let me know, or post on here and we'll figure out the details.

[MountainMedic Profile 14er Peak List (40) 14ers Skied (3)13er Peak List (4)Trip Reports]

RIP. Sounds like Derek was an incredible guy. It's been a terrible year in the Elks and on the 14ers in general. Thanks to all the climbers who helped during the tragedy. It's people like that who make this forum, and more importantly this community, a great one to be a part of.

[kenike Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

Mark, if I could attend tomorrow I would. Please pass my condolences to Derek's family, as well as to yourself. Thank you for keeping us in the loop.

God Bless.

[Man Jerk Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

If any of Derek's family/friends wants a digital copy I'd be happy to send it to them. If the family would like, I'd be happy to get a print done and send it to them. Anyone who is in contact with them can shoot me a PM and let me know, or post on here and we'll figure out the details.

I sent you a PM.

Mark.

[Tommy Dorr Profile 14er Peak List (48) 13er Peak List (10)Trip Reports]

Okay, here it goes:

I suck at this, so please forgive me. I did not know Derek, but I knew of him well. Once of his closest friends, Nathan Hoobler, is among my most valued friends and climbing partners. We climb together frequently and talk constantly. He spoke of Derek many times and he was always someone that I wanted to climb with.

Nathan is a friend that I hold in the highest regard. He has taught me more about myself than words can explain and has even taken my son under his wing. I have no doubt that Derek was the same type of man. I don't know what I would do if I lost my friend and brother Nathan. I know that he is going through that pain now. He will be attending his memorial tomorrow. I cannot imagine what Derek's family is going through right now.

I don't know why I'm writting this. But hey, if you have someone in your life that is truly a friend.... tell them how you feel.

[MountainHiker Profile Website 14er Peak List (58) 14ers in Winter (2)13er Peak List (92)Trip Reports]

JB, that is a beautiful photo. It is especially poignant it was taken approximately when Derek fell.

I won’t be at the service, but I’ll take a walk around that time to think about Derek and his family and friends.

[mtndude3737 Profile WebsiteYIM 14er Peak List (58) Trip Reports]

My heart goes out to all the family and friends. Always sad to see the mountaineering community, family, and friends lose a great one.

Prayers go out to you all. May peace be with you.

[reinselc Profile 14er Peak List (22) 13er Peak List (2)]

I am so saddened to hear this. I climbed this route solo, 2 months ago. I am a 33-year old father of 3. There are no words for deep saddness that I feel for the loss fellow climber. My deepest condolences for all of his family and friends.