Death on Four Peaks - Glenn Sprock

[Grasshopper]

Just heard on the Channel 5 TV news that there was a hiking fatality today on The Four Peaks.. no details available.

[big_load]

His error was carelessness as he took pictures ... I haven't seen much written in hiking blogs or attached to specific trails with special cautions for photography.

I agree, you don't see the risk mentioned too often on hiking sites. It gets better treatment in two very good references on hiking accidents: "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon" and "Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite". The former, especially, underscores the incidence of photography as a contributing factor in falls. At Yosemite, it is a factor in many drownings, too.

I'm sorry for your loss and will definitely bear this important risk in mind while I'm out on the trail.

[facingwest]

I was among those that found Glenn on Saturday. We were a mix of two groups (my hiking group and a church group) that started up the chute at the same time and came across Glenn. The first of these hikers are seen in the pic supplied by wallyfrack. We brought forward a very capable nurse who was hiking with our group and we administered CPR for 80mins while waiting for paramedics to arrive. One of the young rescuers had just been certified for CPR the prior day. Many of us were calling 911 but reception was very poor. We also had hikers down on the saddle who were in touch with us by 2-way radio; they had much better phone communication with the Sheriff's Dept. We had also activated Glenn's transponder that had been located with his Garmin. When Glenn left us he was surrounded by many caring individuals. Many of us remained there until the first paramedic arrived.

My condolences to you, Carol, for your loss. I am happy to know that Glenn lived his life to the fullest.

[peakslayer]

Carol

My deepest sympathy for your loss!!!

Steven

[imike]

with our head perched 5-6' in the air all the time, even on a flat trail, a slip and fall anywhere could create a fatal injury. I lost my cousin last year... she broke her neck falling on one of those fold up attic ladders! solo... groups... on trail...off trail... flat... steep... it could get any of us anytime. I like the fact that he was out celebrating life, not hiding from it.

[tahosa]

My prayers and condolences for Glen's Family. I lost a dear friend on the Matterhorn two years ago and and can really understand your situation. Peace be with you.

[nonot]

Thank you for providing the additional information. This should remind us all to be cautious when traveling solo and on steep terrain. I am very sorry for your loss.

Steve

[couesboy]

Four of us hiked Brown's Peak one week after this tragic event. All of us are in our 50's. We were all very surprised by the difficulty of the route, especially after our hiking guidebook stated "there is ONE PLACE (capitalization added) where you need to use your hands.". 2 of us turned back, having reached our limits, which is always a wise choice. For MY degree of hiking expertise, this was a 10/10 and I only continued because the 4th member of our group is an experienced rock climber who promised he would guide me down. Lesson: know your limitations and read guidebooks with a degree of cynicism. Carol, so sorry for your loss. It is very easy for me to see how easy it would be to lose one's balance on this climb.

[kevinweitzel75]

All it takes is a misplaced step. Found out how true this past weekend. Fortunatly I was already holding on to a branch. Our deepest sympathy toward your loss, Carol.
Kevin