[cbeers]

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