Climber dies on Pico Aislado

[DArcyS]

A hard story to read, condolences to friends and family. Stay strong, Ross, hoping the passage of time numbs the pain soon enough.

[triordie]

Ross, a tough loss. Hang in there.
Condolences to Bryan's family and friends.

[AnastasiaC]

Sincerest condolences to you, and Bryan's family and friends. I hope writing this brought some closure. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it is for you, and everyone close to your friend. May he rest in peace.

[nsaladin]

I’m at a loss for words. I don’t know anyone involved in this incident and yet it makes me feel so sick at the same time. I can’t imagine the pain you feel Ross.

RIP Bryan Ludwig.

[desertdog]

I appreciate you having the strength to write this. It is hard to read, but so important to put out there. I am so sorry this happened to you two! RIP Bryan.

[14erFred]

Condolences and prayers for comfort and strength for Bryan's family, loved ones, and friends. May he rest in peace forever, and may his memory always be a blessing.

It took great courage for you to share your account of the accident, Ross. I will be thinking of you and praying for you as you mourn loss of your friend.

[mtngoatwithstyle]

My deepest condolences to you,Ross, and Bryan’s family and friends.
As many have said,please seek some help and healing.I know Bryan will always be with u in spirit and would love for u to carry on with your passion for the mountains.
Rest in peace Bryan.May your soul rise and shine every day.

[jasayrevt]

I am sorry reading of this accident on Pico Aislado. Rest-in-peace, Bryan. My sincerest condolences to family and friends, too.

[JDroz]

Ross and friends,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. This news really hits me hard, as I lost my climbing partner last October to an accident, and Pico Aislado was one of the last routes we did together before he passed. I may be a stranger to most of you, but I am all too familiar with this type of heartbreak. If any of you ever want someone to talk to, go on a hike/run with, etc., please PM me!

Losing a friend, and such an amazing member of our community, is not easy; but we don't have to go through it alone. We are here for you.

-Jacob

[JDG7]

thank you for posting this story, honoring your friend. I am so sorry to hear what happened. You are carrying his legacy onward now. Prayers for the family and friends.

Everyone, please be safe out there.

[Posthole Pete]

Ross, thank you for sharing this.

Seeing a body changes you. I learned that the hard way this past winter when I helped search for an avalanche victim. I was lucky that the victim I searched for was not a partner of mine so I can only imagine what you are going through.

One of the things I discovered, talking about the incident helped me work through what I saw that day. And more importantly talking with people who understand the situation i.e. not some FB group where you would get a dozen responses of "that guy's an idiot and I never would have blah blah blah". We all know this same thing can happen to us anytime we play in the mountains. We understand your pain and everyone who knew Bryans' pain too.

For whatever reason, the handle Bludwig always stood out to me whenever I saw him post something. I'm gonna miss seeing Bludwig pop up.

Keep your head up Ross and all other friends/family of Bryan.

[trip-alot]

Dear Ross,

Thank you for sharing your story. Like probably everyone else on this forum, I've survived close calls and have even had to walk out injured (broken collar bone--hardly worth mentioning:) --but I've never had to hike out after losing a partner. That must have been hellish, walking out on your own. I know those drainages around Pico Aisalado and Milwaukee intimately and they are rough on a good day. Like others have mentioned, don't listen to others who will blame the victim. (I think people like that just don't want to believe they are also vulnerable). The Sangres are terrible beauties--most of the climbers who get in trouble up there are experienced and have every the right to be in the mountains.

Please convey my condolences to Bryan's friends and loved ones. I hope you can find plenty of support and that you'll find a way to continue enjoying the mountains. I think I can speak for others in the Crestone community, we take stories like this personally. I'm proud of my SAR friends--Bryan was in good hands. And I'm so grateful you were able to hike out without incident and be met by kind professionals--

Crestone sends you and Bryan a lot of love--I hope you can feel our empathy and that it helps you heal--

grace