Page 2 of 3

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:00 pm
by nyker
Gritz3000 wrote: Thu Oct 14, 2021 7:45 pm I missed the avenue on the down climb from Kit Carson a couple summers ago. It can happen VERY easily. There is another ledge a few hundred feet below the real route that can be easily confused for Kit Carson avenue. After climbing too low, things can get tough before you even know you are in trouble.

Condolences to the climbers family, it’s scary how quickly these things happen.
+1
yes, and in bad weather and approaching darkness it becomes harder; I know LNT purists will argue against it, but there should be one of those Culebra sized Cairns there.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:16 pm
by Tornadoman
This is really sad news. Condolences to Madeline's family and friends.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:50 pm
by pfiore1
Disclosure...I am speaking on behalf of myself, not for SAR. Please be cautious and mindful of speculation, especially regarding "missing the Avenue on the descent". I fully understand this occurs frequently as I have done several rescues because of this common error, however this was not likely the case. I will not and cannot provide further detail as to what happened except to say both air and ground rescue techniques went above and beyond typical risk taking to find and rescue her in time. My sincerest and most genuine condolences to her family, friends, and acquaintances. She was the same age as my girlfriend and it greatly pains me to reflect about such a loss of a wonderful soul.

When a safer weather date comes to recover her, an announcement will be made to avoid the area while recovery attempts are conducted. Stay posted.

Pat

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:25 pm
by JChitwood
Terrible news. Condolences to the family from a fellow Illinoisan and Saluki.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 6:02 am
by nmjameswilson
What a shame and so sad to hear. Condolences to the her family.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:41 am
by Terminally_Chill
Heartbroken to hear the news. We were in the Willow Lake basin attempting Adams on Saturday and Sunday, both days turned around due to extremely low visibility, wind, and ice on the rocks. The N Ridge on KC can be puckering on nice days, can't imagine how scary it must have been this week. RIP

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:02 am
by SurfNTurf
Very sad, especially knowing she called for help before her eventual fall. The Facebook memorial page is sobering. Condolences to all who knew her.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 2:24 pm
by Ed_Groves
It is so heartbreaking to lose anyone, but especially one with much of her life still ahead of her. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 3:09 pm
by Dan Wiedrich
My condolences to the family. I grew up in Illinois. RIP

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 4:14 pm
by Colorado_SAR
14ers community, please read and share this post regarding the recovery operation on Saturday, October 16th. We are asking all climbers to stay off Kit Carson for safety reasons. https://www.coloradosar.org/recovery-op ... it-carson/

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 4:31 pm
by Skimo95
This woman was way too young, beautiful, and accomplished to pass this early. Really hurts to think about, and I can only hope her family/friends are able to cope with it in the future. To SAR thank you and please bring her back Saturday. RIP

Re: Challenger/Kit Carson Fatality

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 5:48 pm
by 14erFred
Prayers for comfort and strength for Maddie's family and friends. May she rest in peace forever, and may her memory always be a blessing.