Twitter: RIP Gavin Escobar

[Hoofbite]

It's all relative - the activities/stunts done - plus the circumstances under which each was done.
Hoofbite - my post to Elgatogrande was more about humans have done outrageous things that pose a great danger to their lives -- throughout the annals of time.
Was not aware of Alex Honnold and his free solo technique. Obviously, he has the makeup physically and mental mentally to train thoroughly to perform that elite level of rock climbing.
But I listed a number of feats and stunts in the past that illustrate many, many poeple did that most of us word consider "just as crazy" as rock climbing.
At least 5,000 people have went over Niagra Falls since 1850 - by accident, intentionally= suicide, or as a stunt. Look up the first documented person to go over Nigagra Falls - and reply about that feat.

Of course it's all relative. In terms of relative risk. Is there great risk in fire-breathing or performing escape routines? Those are more gimmicks than feats. Houdini didn't die from an escape exhibition because escape artists are purely entertainment. He died from being repeatedly punched in the stomach, IIRC.

My point was, there's a vast difference between the risk of doing something that occurs over minutes versus doing something that occurs over hours without a safety net. Rock climbing (on a high level) is undoubtedly the craziest on that list, with or without a rope. Just my opinion.

 

[Motorola]

Evel Knievel was da MAN back in the day.

For a brief time back in the late 60's through the 70's, he was as well-known as the stars in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and the PGA.

 

[Motorola]

Of course it's all relative. In terms of relative risk. Is there great risk in fire-breathing or performing escape routines? Those are more gimmicks than feats. Houdini didn't die from an escape exhibition because escape artists are purely entertainment. He died from being repeatedly punched in the stomach, IIRC.

My point was, there's a vast difference between the risk of doing something that occurs over minutes versus doing something that occurs over hours without a safety net. Rock climbing (on a high level) is undoubtedly the craziest on that list, with or without a rope. Just my opinion.

And just my opinion -- run of the mill, ordinary American citizens -that on a whim -decided to go over a fast moving body of water - in some kind of makeshift contraption - that drops 170 feet.
The first documented person to survive the feat:
1901 ___Annie Edson Taylor...a school teacher...who got in a wooden barrell that was screwed shut...and went over the Niagra Falls...on her 63RD BIRTHDAY.

 

[pete026]

My point was, there's a vast difference between the risk of doing something that occurs over minutes versus doing something that occurs over hours without a safety net. Rock climbing (on a high level) is undoubtedly the craziest on that list, with or without a rope. Just my opinion.

Ignore the title. Alex gives an interesting perspective about risk vs. consequences with Free Soloing/Rock Climbing. Driving a car is pretty risky when you consider you are putting your life in the hands of people you don't even know. At least, he wasn't dodging crazy climbers LOL.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Were they using ropes or free solo? Should have been more careful I guess. Sad.

I'd imagine we will find out as the investigation unfolds.

 

[GMO415]

RIP fellow 1st Responder Brother. Sad. Prayers to him, his wife, and two children.

 

[Jimbo69]

Just saw this, terrible news. R.I.P.

 

[lukin2006]

RIP. My heart aches for his children. They are in my thoughts…growing up without your dad…

 

[Surfguy]

I wonder if he would still decide to rock climb if he had it to do over again? Some people feel like they shouldn't have to sacrifice risky activity when they have a wife and children at home. It's really just a selfish thing he did there. Now, the wife and children have to pick up the pieces (no pun intended). I'm sure he had the conversation with his wife about it. She isn't going to be rock climbing...is she? I digress.

 

[pete026]

Did a little research on some outdoors/ climbing websites.

Chelsea Walsh, who he was climbing with was an experienced climber and has filmed some documentaries. Gavin's climbing experience is unknown from what I could find.

Both were found with belay devices on but only one of them was attached to the rope (many ways this can happen but something went wrong). Didn't say who was attached. Belay devices can be used for ascents to stop a fall or descents when rappelling down a mountain. The place they were climbing is known for loose rocks so that could be a contributor. Article also said there were reports of thunderstorms at the time of their fall. Possible they decided to turn around on their ascent.

Amazing how many falls occur rappelling down mountains and when you think about it, staircase falls quite frequently occur going down the stairs. Unnatural physical process. My minimal climbing experience has shown me the significant challenges making the return trip.

 

[JW82]

What a shame. RIP Gavin.

 

[Bates]

Did a little research on some outdoors/ climbing websites.

Chelsea Walsh, who he was climbing with was an experienced climber and has filmed some documentaries. Gavin's climbing experience is unknown from what I could find.

Both were found with belay devices on but only one of them was attached to the rope (many ways this can happen but something went wrong). Didn't say who was attached. Belay devices can be used for ascents to stop a fall or descents when rappelling down a mountain. The place they were climbing is known for loose rocks so that could be a contributor. Article also said there were reports of thunderstorms at the time of their fall. Possible they decided to turn around on their ascent.

Amazing how many falls occur rappelling down mountains and when you think about it, staircase falls quite frequently occur going down the stairs. Unnatural physical process. My minimal climbing experience has shown me the significant challenges making the return trip.

I casually read something similar and don’t remember the details. Sounded like storm rolled in, they decided to rappel down and their rope was around or attached to a boulder that broke loose maybe due to the rain.

 

[rags747]

RIP Gavin. Always thought he was ready to break out, would catch anything and had great size, but for some reason did not get to see the field much. Yes I know we had Witten but I still was expecting more. Rock climbing ain’t for me no way.