Author Topic: Accident Monday on the West Side (Read 41353 times)

joe · « **on:** December 06, 2011, 10:10:58 AM »

got a call from a very good friend, Jude, who is close to Lars this morning...apparently Lars' wife called Jude to let him know that Lars got into an accident while climbing with Brad and Josh on Monday...Jude was looking for B's contact information...apparently Lars was seriously hurt, broke both legs, ruptured spleen, airlift, surgery, ICU in SJ...that's what I got from Jude who was hoping to find out what happened...
I contacted Brad, who at this time is not up for talking about what happened but suggested I start this thread and he can then add to it when ready...

here is the e-mail from Brad:

Joe, feel free to give out my contact info to anyone any time you wish. I don’t however think I’m up to having a series of discussions with people about what happened (after the many I had yesterday). It’s a tough story to tell about a total fluke, something that everyone who has hiked off trail at Pinns has done a hundred times. Josh literally pushed gently against a huge rock as he tried to move past it and it tumbled. Unbelievably bad luck. On the other hand there were almost 20 NPS personnel on the West Side, moving, for that one day, and they started up to Lars literally within six or seven minutes of my arrival at the parking area.. When was the last time there was more than one ranger there on a weekday? It appears certain that their quick reaction saved his life.

Perhaps you would be willing to start a thread for us on Mudn’Crud? That way Josh and I could post some info when we’re composed, and not have to explain the same thing 15 times to 15 concerned people. It’s too hard to do that. Feel free to use this email in whole or part if you’re willing to open a thread.

Sincerely,

Brad Young

very sad, tenga cuidado out there...

squiddo · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2011, 10:19:27 AM »

Wow ok that happened on Monday and that makes sense. Absolutly terrible new......so sorry to hear this Joe. This stuff touches all of us in the climbing community. We don't even need to be present to have it so.

I'm thinking good thoughts for all involved and a speedy recovery to Lars.

joe · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2011, 10:20:27 AM »

from Brad:

One other thing: This all occurred while we were walking – Class Two or Three. It was not a climbing accident. We were ten feet from the start of an old project that Lars was showing us. We all had our packs on. We were in what might be the single least accessible place in the Monument. Unbelievable.

mynameismud · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2011, 10:43:40 AM »

All the best to everyone involved. A speedy recovery to Lars.

God Bless and Good Health

joe · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2011, 10:52:01 AM »

more details:

Joe, Thanks. Somehow this is easier. Post this too please.

As we were moving uphill, Josh was in the lead, then Lars and then me. We were in a bit of a slot between a slab and a short cliff. The three foot diameter boulder came loose with no warning. Josh and I agree that Lars then literally threw Josh out of the way (it appears that Josh has a minor wrist fracture in spite of Lars’ effort). I dove off to the left. Lars had nowhere to go. The boulder came to a stop on top of his legs. Nothing Josh and I tried would budge the boulder; it must have weighed hundreds of pounds. As I was running for help, Josh dug under the boulder to free Lars. It took 45 minutes of digging with his bare hands (and a broken wrist). Josh is EMT trained and between him and NPS ranger Mark they absolutely saved his life.

Brad Young

mynameismud · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2011, 11:31:02 AM »

Many props to Brad for running out for the Rescue, I doubt there is anyone else that knows their way around the Pins better than Brad and he can still move well for an old duffer.

Also Many props to Muchi for digging out Lars and helping him during the wait for the rescue team.

It is very unfortunate to hear about Lars but it would be difficult for him to be in that situation with two better people.

mungeclimber · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2011, 11:41:26 AM »

Oh whoa

Brad Young · « **Reply #7 on:** December 06, 2011, 11:48:28 AM »

I just talked to Mucci who is there at the hospital. Lars is out of surgery, stable and is suppposed to be taken off the ventilator today. The list of injuries is very, very long, including more areas of broken bones than I can list. He is one tough cookie.

mudworm · « **Reply #8 on:** December 06, 2011, 11:52:32 AM »

Everyone's action under the circumstance was incredible. The word hero came to my mind.

Thank you Brad and Joe for sharing. Wish a speedy recovery to Lars and best wishes to everyone involved.

Wish everyone an uneventful new year and many years of good luck to come.

mungeclimber · « **Reply #9 on:** December 06, 2011, 12:20:40 PM »

Thx for the update.

Heal fast Lars

Atomizer · « **Reply #10 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:18:15 PM »

Wow I am so shocked, what a wild wild turn of events.

My love goes out to all those involved. I'm sending some good positive energy your way Lars.

And once again thanks to the NPS for doing so such a great job with the rescue.

mynameismud · « **Reply #11 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:35:01 PM »

Is it possible to get the Hospital and room number. Would be nice to send some flowers. My recollection of hospitals is well..., it might be kinda nice to have some flowers around.

joe · « **Reply #12 on:** December 06, 2011, 03:01:35 PM »

http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20111206/NEWS01/112060302/Pinnacles-hiker-trapped-under-boulder?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Gavin · « **Reply #13 on:** December 06, 2011, 03:03:43 PM »

I was on scene yesterday as part of the rescue team that evacuated Lars. It was terrible to see him affixed in the litter, with Josh covered with dirt, and worry in his eyes. I'm grateful to hear Lars is stable in the hospital, and sincerely thankful for the quick run Brad took down to the west side entry station for help, Josh's capacity to dig out Lars in the interim, and the efficient response of so many folks - NPS, CalFire, Calstar, etc. -to set up a low-angle rescue and a short-haul helicopter flight to evacuate him so quickly. It was a heads-up response all around to a tragic incident.

mynameismud · « **Reply #14 on:** December 06, 2011, 03:16:35 PM »

I called San Jose Medical Center to see if flowers can be sent to his room. They said he was not there so I guess he managed to jump up and run off somewhere else. Or maybe admitting has not caught up.

rhyang · « **Reply #15 on:** December 06, 2011, 03:51:26 PM »

How horrible ! I'd just met him on Sunday afternoon. Thinking positive thoughts.

I wonder if he might have been transferred to Valley Medical, since they have a number of good rehab units (was in spinal cord injury rehab for five weeks in 2007). That's my neighborhood, so I'd be happy to visit & bring anything he might need.

joe · « **Reply #16 on:** December 06, 2011, 04:39:00 PM »

just picked up a message from Jude that the tubes have been removed...

mynameismud · « **Reply #17 on:** December 06, 2011, 05:07:34 PM »

Quote from: rhyang on December 06, 2011, 03:51:26 PM

Valley Medical,

No response there either. If anyone comes up with location we can send flowers to, post, send me an email or pm.

Thanks.

Brad Young · « **Reply #18 on:** December 06, 2011, 05:09:34 PM »

I suspect that Josh will also post up this evening (but maybe not). He's been to the hospital and can maybe confirm where he is down to the room number.

F4? · « **Reply #19 on:** December 06, 2011, 05:50:51 PM »

Wow, sorry to hear. I'm glad the outcome wasn't worse.

Now Squiddo won't give me a hard time about carrying a cell.

News:

Author Topic: Accident Monday on the West Side (Read 41353 times)