Todd Skinner died
 

Todd Skinner, probably the most capable climber coming out of Wyoming and a pretty decent guy, died in Yosemite on Monday in a climbing accident. Anyone that climbs knows who Todd is. Climbing, if done right, is pretty safe and this is a sad event.

That's a shame.
I used to guide professionally (classic alpine, not the type of stuff Skinner was known for) but one aspect of his death strikes a chord with me: Skinner was one of the best climbers in the world, and he fell to his death while rappelling. This is a story I've seen again and again, massively talented climbers and mountaineers killed during mundane tasks....it's uncanny.

Here is my take after just reading the story in the Chronicle.

It was ENTIRELY avoidable.

When I learned climbing, safety was stressed over anything else and it really stuck with me. To the point where it crosses into other areas of my life. Tying in the dirt bike in my truck, two main tie downs, and two back ups etc.

One thing I NEVER EVER trusted alone was the belay loop on a harness. Sure, it's supposed to be strong and made for the task, but no good to me. I always looped through the main harness belt AND the loop. Period. Whether climbing, belaying or rappelling, it was always the same. And anyone I climbed with had better follow that same rule.

I am no where near Todd's level, he was a legend and will be sorely missed by the community around the world. However, to see him die like this only makes my strict safety lessons sink deeper inside.........

I'll never forget seeing him climb, "pop" a finger in a one finger pull, look down, insert another finger, "pop" again, repeat until he made it. Amazing man, he will be missed.


-Chris

I bouldered with Todd in Heuco years ago, before the park was closed to climbing. He was a great guy. This is very sad to hear.

Sadly, accidents can happen to anyone. Sometimes the most experienced climbers are ones who take things for granted/get too comforable. Remember what happened to Lynn Hill? Got distracted talking to another climber while tying in and she forgot to finish the knot. She fell about 70 feet, breaking her back. Scary stuff.