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Matt
Trad climber
places you shouldn't talk about in polite company
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Aug 16, 2006 - 04:14pm PT
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i was avoiding posting in this thread because i didn't know what to say- "huge bummer, so sorry to hear it, what a shame, coulda happened to anyone". it's all been said.
this morning on the way to work i came upon stopped traffic where 2 fwy's come together, and as i slowed down a car in the other lane flew by me at 65 or so. the guy might have finally been on the brakes for the last 30 feet before plowing into a stopped car, lifting it up and pushing it into the next stopped car. everyone had airbags and seatbelts, no blood, i left my # and drove to work.
i'm always telling my mom that the most dangerous thing i do is drive to and from the climbing. what bitter irony that JB gets badly hurt and it's in a rig, rather than falling off of one. accidents happen, even when superheros are driving. i'm sure he'll be back at it in no time.
more condolences to steve's family, i know a lot of people who knew him well and liked him very much.
love your family and be good to your friends, you just never know.
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Wheatus
Social climber
CA
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Aug 16, 2006 - 04:29pm PT
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I just spoke with John at the hospital in Utah. He answered the phone in his room and told me that he fractured some vertebrae but there is no paralysis or loss feeling in his extremities. John said he might need surgery but there was some indication they might release him today. He seemed either in pain or heavily medicated so his state of mind may not be clear. The doctors expect a full recovery. I only asked a few questions and expressed my condolences on the loss of his friend.
Anastasia is bruised but essentially uninjured.
Steve was a sleep in the back (no seatbelt)when John's SUV rolled.
My condolences to Steve's family and friends.
I keep telling my 10 year old son that driving is the most dangerous activity he will ever do....please slow down, wear a seatbelt and be careful.
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immanti
climber
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Aug 16, 2006 - 05:38pm PT
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I want to thank everyone for their condonlences, thoughts and prayers, as well as for the support you've offered in so many ways. This is obviously a very difficult and sad time for all of us at Acopa. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery for John and Anastasia and mourning the loss of our friend Steve. Thank you for keeping them in your hearts and in your minds.
Dario Piana
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burp
Trad climber
Salt Lake City
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Aug 16, 2006 - 06:36pm PT
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Dario,
Wishing Acopa the best as Acopa picks up the pieces.
I know I'll have plenty of patience while ordering shoes as Acopa adjusts. Acopa has already won my brand loyalty and it will remain through this tough transitional period.
Mike
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Aug 16, 2006 - 06:53pm PT
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Just got in from a trip to the Eastside and read this terrible news. Very sad to hear about Steve and hope that John and Anastasia have a complete recovery.
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AnnaJ
Sport climber
Fort Collins, CO
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Aug 16, 2006 - 07:10pm PT
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John, Anastasia, and Dario - Your in my prayers. I'm here if you need anything at all. I know you guys have probably gotten five million phone calls so I'll wait to get in touch.
Steve was an awesome guy. He will be deeply missed.
Anna Jenkins
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Aug 17, 2006 - 01:13am PT
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I'm so sorry to hear this has happened.
We just got back from Bishop and haven't been checking in to ST in a while.
God's peace and rest for Steve, and prayers and love to all his family, friends, and loved ones.
JB and Ana heal quickly --- and prayers, peace, and love be to you.
Driving is probably the most dangerous thing we do in our lives. I think we all know that at some gut level, but we sometimes take it for granted and forget. Driving can sometimes be an extreme activity, anything can happen. My wife and 2 children were involved in a serious 6 car accident this past Spring. The Volvo was totaled, but thank God my family was safe and no injuries occured, everyone was wearing their seatbelts and the kids were in carseats (we just bought the larger carseats so they can continue to stay in the seats until they are bursting out in height and weight by law) and it clearly saved their lives. It wasn't my wife's fault, but things happen. Be careful out there and always wear your seatbelts and drive defensively. Anticipate what can happen, don't drop your guard, and adjust your driving accordingly. Drive so you can drive another day. Don't forget the 7 Ps (words of wisdom from Galen Rowell).
Keep on loving, living and climbing. Be safe.
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dt
Mountain climber
Mammoth Lakes
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Aug 17, 2006 - 01:23am PT
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I started climbing around 1985. Until then I was lost in Los Angeles. 20 years old and no direction. I discovered rock climbing through magazines I bought at REI and Bachar was all over them. His free spirit, courage, and style inspired me so much I have always considered John a big part of who I am now and why I chose the mountains as a lifestyle.
I have lived in Mammoth over 10 years now and have known John almost all of those years. In most ways John is just another dirt bag eastside climber, but hes freakin John Bachar! I work at Mammoth Mountaineering and our staff, young and old, are in awe of John when he comes to hang out at the store. Its funny seeing a 19 year old new kid to the area blown away at meeting John and talking climbing with him (the same way I was just 10 years ago at age 31). He is still very inspiring to so many of us.
I talked to John tonight. Sounds like he has a long recovery and will have to wear a neck collar for some time to make sure his neck is safe. My heart and so many in our community have a broken heart for John and what he must be going through. He has heard about this thread and it sounded like it made him feel better to know so much love is pouring for him. Our store has had many many well wishers come by and ask what they can do to help. More than a couple of people have offered to go where ever and work the Acopa phones and help with shipping or whatever else John and Dario and Acopa need.
John, like so many climbers and struggling entrepreneurs, didn’t have insurance and will need some good medical attention to get him climbing hard again. This community is getting donation jars going to different stores in Mammoth and Bishop. We will have a fundraiser effort to be defined soon. I don’t know how the fundraising will happen or who will collect, but anyone can email me, dave@mammothgear.com, if they want to help. Please keep John and Anastasia in your hearts and minds and we will all help them recover from this horrible tragedy.
I can’t get Steve’s wide eyed smile out of my mind. I don’t think I ever saw him not smiling. Everytime I passed the Acopa booth I would see John, Anastasia, Dario and Steve just loving it. The Acopa booth was hopping. Smiles, buyers, and good will was ever present. I’d throw Steve a big smile knowing he was stoked at the success he and John and Dario created. His perma smile grew large to meet mine as he was talking to some Japanese buyers. John was on their couch showing the shoes with an equally positive look and smile. I must have walked by 20 times and it was always the same.
I am so sorry to Steve’s family for their loss. I just hope there is a way to feel that someone lived a great life, their way, and touched so many that it helps a little.
Here in Mammoth we have had a horrible 12 plus months filled with personal tragedy. Thank God John isn’t lost. He’s our legend. The climbing community has also been filled with tragedy recently. John belongs to a bunch of great communities that will undoubtedly see him through this.
dave talsky
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Nate Smith
climber
UT
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:01am PT
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I just got back from the hospital having visited with John. He will be flying back to CA tomorrow along with Anastasia, his father and brother. He was able to walk for the first time today and is already flirting with the nurses. Anastasia is doing well, but is pretty shell-shocked.
Anastasia and I drove to Ely this morning to recover what personal items we could from the truck. After seeing what was left of the 4 runner I don't know how he survived...don't really know what else to say.
My condolences go out to Steve's family.
Nathan Smith
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:03am PT
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I don't have any photos of Steve. The photos of Anastasia that I have would earn me a pummeling from her should I post them! Bruised or not, I'm not taking her on!!! Here are a couple of my favorites of John. I point a camera and he makes a funny face! In the one photo, he's drinking water - he needs nothing more to be the life of the party. I hope they make everyone here smile as much as they make me smile. Hopefully you guys have some others to bring smiles to all of us....
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Steve's sister
Sport climber
Las Vegas, NV
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:05am PT
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Thank you so much for all your heartfelt condolances and support! My parents and I appreciate all the kind words and prayers. We ask that you keep Steve's fiance, Sara, in your prayers as she has lost her greatest love of 19 years.
My father and I will be working to keep Acopa and Steve's dream alive. We appreciate the grace and continued support you will give Acopa.
Steve will be cremated on Friday and we will be spreading his ashes as far and wide as his free spirit.
Our love and prayers go out to John and Ana. We wish them both a speedy recovery. Ana, thank you for your special favor.
Love to all, Lisa Karafa
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Juanito
Social climber
San Diego, CA
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:08am PT
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Terrible news. Get well soon John.
Can someone post a photo of Steve?
John
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:20am PT
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Breakfasts with Bachar at Tioga Pass Resort were not only intimidating, but inspiring.
Get well quick John and Anastasia (I'm Greek, too, my family comes from Thasos in the N. Aegean).
My sincere condolences to Steve's family.
Even two days later, I still can feel the shock of the first reports.
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Jacob
Trad climber
yucky valley
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Aug 17, 2006 - 02:25am PT
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my deepest condolences to steve's family. i never was able to meet him but he sounded like a great person.
lets post some photo's of him in his honor
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Aug 17, 2006 - 10:38am PT
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How about keeping this thread on a positive level. NOT something John or Anastasia or ANYONE else wants to be thinking about now. Let's hope for a quick and full recovery and things may take care of themselves
Peace
Hope yer doing well John!
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Aug 17, 2006 - 11:54am PT
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Is there any information on where we can send wishes/flowers for Steve's family and friends? For John? And for Anastasia?
Any updates on John and Anastasia?
You two are still very much on my mind - take care of yourselves and get well soon.
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Ultrabiker
Ice climber
Eastside
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Aug 17, 2006 - 11:57am PT
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Dave and Autumn Talsky of Mammoth Mountaineering Supply are taking immediate donations for John and his ensuing Medical Bills. They are also working on some "Local Fund Raiser's" for our local Hero and Legend. If you all care to, you can send what you can (Check's or MO's preferred) to:
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
("John Bachar Fund")
PO BOX 2297
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Thanks soooooo much in advance!!!
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Aug 17, 2006 - 12:21pm PT
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Please post about the "local" fund raisers because I think that many of us who aren't local will make every effort to attend and give.
I assume Mammoth is taking cards as well? Thanks for the info...
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the Fet
climber
A urine, feces, and guano encrusted ledge
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Aug 17, 2006 - 12:26pm PT
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John,
Maybe some day you'll read this and you may be going through some of the same feelings I had when I lost one of my best friends in an accident I was present at about 10 years ago. I thought I'd share what I went through in case it may help you.
Although I knew it wasn't my fault (accidents are just that) I couldn't escape the feelings of responsibility for letting it happen. People would tell me "don't blame yourself", but I kept thinking I should have known better, I should have done things differently, I could have stopped my friend from making a bad decision that cost him his life. I was depressed for an entire year over it. I finally realized I couldn't just not blame myself. I knew I had made mistakes and I couldn't just erase that. What I did come to do was to forgive myself. I knew my friend would forgive me, and he would want me to forgive myself. In this way I learned from what happened, a was finally able to let go.
For a few years after his death I would have dreams with him in them. In my dreams I would want to say to him "dude, I hate to tell you this but you're dead, I don't know what your doing here." It was funny though, I was always happy to see him, probably because I missed him so much and his death was such a shock.
I hope you are doing well.
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Ultrabiker
Ice climber
Eastside
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Aug 17, 2006 - 12:39pm PT
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Crimpergirl:
Yes of course, Cards and Letter's also!!!!! Send and send!!!!
John and Anastasia will need all the support we can all muster up, regardless of what it is!
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