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dlintz
Oct 24, 2006, 6:45 PM
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Thanks for posting Mal. The stories of Todd's energy and love of climbing inspired me from the beginning. His personality while controversial to many is just another facet in climbing's great history.
Rest my brother.
d.
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sick_climba
Oct 24, 2006, 8:48 PM
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Very sad to hear.... words can not explain what I know those who knew him must be going through. For those who believe in God or Goddess he has most defiantly gone to a better place, and is with you at every moment, as the wind, and the earth, and the very rock you climb on. For those who don't he has returned to mother earth the birth giver of us all for his time in peace away from trouble. Best wishes out to friends and family, its hard to lose family, but did you really lose him? Did every smile, word, or tear he shed not leave an impression upon you that will stay until the end of you days?
* takes a moment of silence*
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the_climber
Oct 24, 2006, 9:15 PM
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I was able to take some time out of work and found some more information on this:
http://www.rockandice.com/...ail&newsId=101&pno=0
http://www.fresnobee.com/406/story/9279.html
It appears that the accident occured while decending. My heart felt thought to his family and Jim Hewitt (his partner). It's a long decent alone, I hope he's doing as best as he can right now.
Thought I would post these also so people know:
In reply to: Hello Everyone, Things are surreal in Lander today. We have planned a memorial gathering for Todd on Saturday, the 28th of October. The time is 3pm or thereabouts, potluck, etc. It will be held at the Sinks Canyon Center outside of Lander. email me at sbechtel@wyoming.com or give a call at 307-349-1246 if you need any info. Thanks so much. Amy wants to make sure it's known that all climbers are welcome...just as it always was. Keep the messages coming...every one of them is helping his family. Steve Bechtel
In reply to: One more thing... For those of you who are interested a memorial has been established for Amy, Hannah, Jake and Sarah. Skinner Memorial Fund Atlantic City Federal Credit Union 704 West Main Street Lander, WY 82520 Thanks, Steve Bechtel |
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gerglenroc
Oct 24, 2006, 9:54 PM
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When I finally was able to log onto the site, this was a horrible introduction for the week, terrible loss of a cheery guy.
I was in Todd's presence on a few occasions that always made an impact on me because he never had a chip on his shoulder.
I first met him in Railey Thailand in 1993 while he was filming his climbing video international. Hung out with him on the beaches many times over a month and he and I set up a bouldering traverse along part of the wall to the right of Dom's Cave and that group of 5.10s where that small spring of clean tasty water came outta the sand to quench our throats.
I had damaged my leg very bad one day there that needed hospitalization and one day my bandage was in desperate need of a change so he held his crew of filmers/climbers back from boating out around the peninsula to take me to his hut along 'mud beach' to re-wrap my leg in fresh, clean bandage, then, he went and went climbing.
If he wasn't climbing he always had the interest to give positive feedback and help or just a spot. He gave me his address in Wyoming before I left but never went down. But I did get to see him one more time....
I have a pic of him in the Thailand section of him working a route near Princess Cave. The other photo is in the El Cap section of this site and is in connection with the rest of my story....
After I left there, the next time I ran into Todd was with two of my friends on our way to the base of El Cap in November of 2001. Barely into the forest I heard voices. As they got louder and more full of life it sounded really familiar. Before he and Paul Piana turned into our path I knew it was Todd!
They were scouting some filming locations and seemed excited about the super hot autumn day. We talked for ten minutes, shook some hands and then Paul took our pic. They gave us their address of some property they said we could camp on outside of the park. One day we tried to call but I only left a message.
Glad to have met you Todd, never forget it!
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bri1682
Oct 24, 2006, 10:25 PM
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That is a sad and shocking story.
My condolences to his family and friends.
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bluering
Oct 24, 2006, 10:27 PM
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Rest in peace bro, God bless.
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vegastradguy
Oct 24, 2006, 10:34 PM
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Rest In Peace, Todd. My thoughts and prayers go to the family at this difficult time.
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xcskier
Oct 24, 2006, 10:55 PM
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Though I didn't know Todd well or even really as a climber I have gone to church with his kids and wife and in-laws for many years and this was very sad news to hear. The town of Lander has suffered many losses in the last two years and this is another that is tough to take.
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wyclimber
Oct 24, 2006, 11:15 PM
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Sadness.
Living in Wyoming for the last 15 years and being a climber for 14 of those years, it would be hard to have not run into Todd. His slideshows were amazing, his climbs difficult and his stories wildly entertaining. His effect on climbing around the globe was as pervasive as in his home state, he really climbed everywhere. His energy and good nature were truly inspiring, if you never met him, you missed something amazing. My children are about the same age as his, and I am truly saddened by the loss of their father. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
Rest in Peace
Mike Snyder
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wyclimber
Oct 24, 2006, 11:18 PM
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Sadness.
Living in Wyoming for the last 15 years and being a climber for 14 of those years, it would be hard to have not run into Todd. His slideshows were amazing, his climbs difficult and his stories wildly entertaining. His effect on climbing around the globe was as pervasive as in his home state, he really climbed everywhere. His energy and good nature were truly inspiring, if you never met him, you missed something amazing. My children are about the same age as his, and I am truly saddened by the loss of their father. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
Rest in Peace
Mike Snyder
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msiddens
Oct 24, 2006, 11:23 PM
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it's with great saddnes that I read the news. Thoughts going out to his family, friends, and fellow climbers. In many ways it's people such as Todd that are the reason I sought out the sport and remain faithful to it.
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cosmiccragsman
Oct 24, 2006, 11:28 PM
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I've only climbed with Todd a couple of times in the 80s,
but I've sharred many campfires at Yosemite, and JT with
him. He always had a positive attitude, and a smile on his face.
He had a treasure trove of stories about his adventures,
that I never got tired of listening to.
My heartfelt sympathies, and prayers, to his Wife and Family.
Todd will be sorely missed by all the climbing community
Rest in Peace, and God Bless, Todd
Cosmiccragsman
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majid_sabet
Oct 25, 2006, 1:09 AM
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My deepest condolences to his family and friends, rest in peace Todd.
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rrrADAM
Oct 25, 2006, 1:48 AM
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Sad news... I remember seeing that he had written soem wise words in the cover ascent register on top od Devil's Tower.
Prolific climber.
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artsylady567
Oct 25, 2006, 2:14 AM
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Legends live on in spirit. My deepest sympathies go out.
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up_for_a_good_time
Oct 25, 2006, 2:34 AM
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CNN Reports:
Rock climbing legend falls to his death
POSTED: 8:31 p.m. EDT, October 24, 2006
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California (AP) -- A renowned rock climber was killed when he fell 500 feet while attempting a first ascent, a park spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Todd Skinner had completed a new route up a rock face known as Leaning Tower and was rappelling when he fell to his death Monday, Adrienne Freeman said.
It was not immediately clear why Skinner, an author who claimed to have set climbing records in 26 countries, fell.
He and his party were climbing near Bridalveil Fall, one of the park's best-known waterfalls, Freeman said.
The Mariposa County coroner's office was investigating the death.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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acw
Oct 25, 2006, 4:31 AM
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I've known Todd for almost 25 years from the earliest days of the sport climbing movement. We climbed together dozens of times - in Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Smith Rock, and throughout Europe. He was a true pioneer, doing things his own way and refusing to follow the herd. He was a remarkable climber, and a charismatic personality. I have so many memories of the times we spent together. Tonight, I will crack open a beer and drink a toast to Todd. You will be missed, my friend.
Alan Watts
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iamcolinslack
Oct 25, 2006, 4:44 AM
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Thats really sad to hear. What a true adventurer he was. This bowl is for you Todd.
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blonde_loves_bolts
Oct 25, 2006, 5:04 AM
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Very, very sad news...
Rest in peace.
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mushroomcloud_2
Oct 25, 2006, 5:25 AM
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my sincerest condolences and uber big hugs to friends and family
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kricir
Oct 25, 2006, 5:35 AM
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Registered: Oct 15, 2005
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A sad day for friends, family, and climbers worldwide
Let this be a reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of climbing, and for everyone to stay safe.
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hopkinsed
Oct 25, 2006, 5:51 AM
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Really sad.
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timstich
Oct 25, 2006, 1:04 PM
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From the LA Times:
"Park officials still are investigating the cause. However, a family spokesman, Steve Bechtel, said authorities had told him that their preliminary finding was that Skinner's climbing harness broke."
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markc
Oct 25, 2006, 1:18 PM
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In reply to: I just had an arguement with a climbing partner about tying off the ends of your rope when rapelling I said you *always* should and she disagreed ... I hear he was descending, I hope he didn't space on the rappell that would really be a downer.
Tim added some new details I was unaware of. All reports I've seen indicated Todd's device and locking biner were still attached to the rope.
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kyote321
Oct 25, 2006, 3:47 PM
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Todd was a true legend and pioneer. I have many fond memories of climbing with him and the posse in Lander in the mid-90s. His enthusiasm and unbridaled energy are unmatched. It isn't how he died that is important, it is how he lived. He lived big. Thoughts and prayers to Amy, his kids, and the small community of Lander that has had so much drama.
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