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Eric McAuliffe
Trad climber
Alpine County, CA
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JC wrote-"Wherever you are, I hope you are seeing endless sunny granite, and the pressure is infinitely high."
I am at a loss of words......
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inhisfootsteps
Sport climber
the heart of WY.
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Micah came to my university to present a film festival. Before the films started, he talked about one of his trips with Jonny Copp. I was laughing SO hard the whole time! Afterwards I let him know how much I loved it, what a great guy. Never met Jonny or Wade but they sound like incredible souls, just like Micah. Condolences to family and friends, you're in my prayers.
-becca
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Chris McNamara
SuperTopo staff member
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 8, 2009 - 03:20pm PT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Robb Shurr, Kickstand Communications
303-304-9580
robb@wearekickstand.com
Photos and up to date information available at www.adventurefilm.org
Statement from Bruce and Susan Johnson, Parents of Wade Johnson
For the media in general:
As a family, we would prefer not to meet with or be interviewed by reporters at this time. We are sure that you can understand that this is an unusually challenging time for us given the complicated nature of the circumstances surrounding Wade’s death.
__
As parents, we are devastated by the loss of our son Wade. Our grief is profound as the reality of his loss sweeps over us. Yet he was a boundless joy for us as his parents.
We are comforted by the fact that Wade lived and died doing the things that he loved. It has been transformative to experience the out pouring of support and love from literally all corners of the world. Every request for assistance from friends, colleagues, business associates, and government officials from both the U.S. and Chinese was granted.
We are amazed by the number of people Wade touched in his too short life. But the reciprocal is true – many wonderful people touched and formed him into the summit-seeker that he was. Key among those who shaped Wade was his older sister, Kara, who influenced him in countless ways to become the well rounded man he was. Wade’s life may have been short, but it was a life that was lived to the fullest. It was filled with fun, adventure, excitement and love.
Some say that the loss of a child is the worst thing that can happen to parents. But Wade’s death was not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing would have been if he died because of anger or hurt. He died as all should live – with joy, purpose and meaning.
Our hearts go out to the friends and families of Micah Dash and Jonny Copp. We want to specially thank Senator Amy Klobuchar and her staff, Terry Carlson, Robb Shurr and the wonderful people at Sender Films. As Wade’s parents, we were already prepared to pass Wade on to the people who were to be foremost in his future, his best friend Greg Larsen and his soul-mate and true love, Erin Addison. Their loss is the greatest.
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
Arid-zona
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Cedar- Thanks for that little story man that was really great. I still remember trying to get Micah to demob his gear properly after a body recovery between the upper and lower Falls with Dill breathing down my neck.
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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wow...
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kubok!3
climber
Austin, TX
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rest in peace men...
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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I never knew any of these men but wish I had. Every climber's death is a loss for the whole community, but most of all for their friends and family. Mindful of their pain, words fail. My prayers and best wishes for a healing of broken hearts.
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Anastasia
climber
Not here
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I am still praying that Micah has somehow survived. Beyond that, I am greatly saddened, at loss for words, etc. My condolences to their family and friends.
Anastasia Frangos
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Chris McNamara
SuperTopo staff member
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 8, 2009 - 05:47pm PT
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from: http://www.adventurefilm.org/blogs/adventure_blog/09-06-08/The_Empty_Chair_at_Sender_Films.aspx?ReturnURL=%2fblogs%2fadventure_blog.aspx
The Empty Chain at Sender films
Wade Johnson’s body was positively identified in avalanche debris on Mount Edgar, China this morning. We are deeply mourning his loss. As an integral member of our production company, Sender Films, Wade spent most of the last year and a half in our presence. Much of this time was spent in our home offices, where he would show up at 9 (while we were often still sleeping) and stay till dark. Wade, Nick and I would work all day, race out to Eldo for a couple hours of play, come back for dinner where my girlfriend Joss would feed us, then go back into the offices for a couple more hours before bed. Wade worked longer and harder than anyone else whoever joined Nick and I at Sender.
But Wade didn’t come to Sender to sit in our offices. He loved the mountains, and he wanted to be in them as much as possible. He had more snow, ice and backcountry experience than the rest of us and he began accompanying Jonny Copp and his various partners on filming missions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wade’s four-day winter trip to Ouray and the Black Canyon with Jonny and Micah formed a strong bond between the team, and was strengthened when Wade skied into Mt Alberta for a winter attempt with Jonny and Steve Su. Wade would hang out at base camp with the boys, then film long shots of their attempts. He loved being there, in the presence of the master Jonny Copp. Needless to say, he thought Jonny was some sort of other-worldly, part-yeti, god-like creature that was certainly not human – as the rest of us did.
When Jonny and Micah planned their trip to China/Tibet, they sat down with Nick and I and asked that Wade be the one to accompany them on this trip. He was, they explained, the kind of guy you want with you while augured in at base camp (the distinction with me, and my nervous energy, not being that kind of guy was clear). This trip was his swan song with Sender Films, as, upon his return, he was off to complete a PHD in Chemistry at Washington, and be with his beloved long-time girlfriend Erin (I could write a thesis on how their relationship forced me to recalibrate my view of true love). That Wade is gone is unbearable, the saddest part being that despite how deeply we loved him at Sender, there were so many others who knew him longer and more intimately, and whose love for him was even more profound. We’ve gotten to know Wade’s parents through this process, and they are amazing people, the type you meet and they affect you for the rest of your life. We are all honorary members of the Johnson family now. My girlfriend Joss and I talked about how we would consider having a kid, if we thought it would end up like Wade. He was our boy at Sender, and he was Jonny and Micah’s boy in China. We all feel responsible for him, and I would trade places in that avalanche with him in a second. He had too much of a future. His loss is truly tragic. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
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rhyang
climber
SJC
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RIP, best wishes to the friends & families :(
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Port
Trad climber
San Diego
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"Perceived failures are often the greatest adventures."
Jonny Copp
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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This just tears me up.
What a life, short but well lived. A lesson to us all.
All the guys at Sender were great about helping Layton Kor with his video profile, but Wade made the extra effort to give him additional coverage when he came back and received the Underhill.
I just got off the phone with Layton, who expressed great sorrow for Wade's parents, and he wants Wade to get a special dedication in the video credits.
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El Cap Fool
Big Wall climber
The white van by the river
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Tragic loss of a great friend.
Micah was a person well worth knowing.
Christian
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Chris, wow, what you wrote about Wade makes it suck even more.
What a drag. I feel for his friends and family. I can't help but think that this is such a waste of good people. I know life is cruel sometimes. Maybe we're supposed to remember that and take more appreciation in our daily lives.
Thanks for posting that, Chris.
Rest in peace, dudes. Micah, hang in there, we're hoping for the best.
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Liz
Social climber
Bolinas, CA
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I immediately thought about Amelia when I heard the news Saturday... my deepest condolences to you, and everyone who loved these three.
This whole incident has brought to the surface so many memories of the people with whom I shared those months (years?!) in and around Camp 4/Yosemite and the Gordon Ranch/Joshua Tree; Micah was one of the constants in both places, plus a few in between. I haven't seen or been in touch with most of you in ages, and I'm certainly compelled to appreciate all of you, right now!
Sending love, comfort, safety, and whatever manner of yummy things are possible via this medium... I am honored to have spent that time with you, thank you!
xoxo
Liz
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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That is a lovely piece about Wade. I know the pain is too new for his friends and loved ones to feel much more than a sense of immense loss right now, but it's clear that his spirit will be with them forever. Sounds like a genuinely beautiful person. So sorry for the sadness his passing brings.
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Conrad
climber
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The music stops and some of us don't have a chair to sit in. This time it is three bright, energetic souls out to experience all that life has to offer. This is a solemn reminder of an avalanche 10 years ago. We are brave to challenge the mountains and thankful to our loved ones for understanding and accepting our passion.
Johnny - I'll always remember your enthusiasm and principles. Combined ~ they made you. We'll keep the flame adventure film burning as long as we are here.
Micah - To the next big journey. Its out there somewhere and its your lead. I will always remember your drive. We'll call on it when the situation warrants it.
Wade - Your spirit is that of the tribe. Tho never to meet, your smile says it all.
To the families of these fine men - our deepest condolences and sympathies. Thanks for nurturing, inspiring and encouraging them to follow their dreams.
As friends we'll never know why. That it is ~ just is. Your energy will be with us.
Conrad Anker
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reddirt
climber
Elevation 285 ft
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I just read the the statement from Wade's Parents' statement... really moving.
Statement from Bruce and Susan Johnson, Parents of Wade Johnson
As parents, we are devastated by the loss of our son Wade. Our grief is profound as the reality of his loss sweeps over us. Yet he was a boundless joy for us as his parents.
We are comforted by the fact that Wade lived and died doing the things that he loved. It has been transformative to experience the out pouring of support and love from literally all corners of the world. Every request for assistance from friends, colleagues, business associates, and government officials from both the U.S. and Chinese was granted.
We are amazed by the number of people Wade touched in his too short life. But the reciprocal is true – many wonderful people touched and formed him into the summit-seeker that he was. Key among those who shaped Wade was his older sister, Kara, who influenced him in countless ways to become the well rounded man he was. Wade’s life may have been short, but it was a life that was lived to the fullest. It was filled with fun, adventure, excitement and love.
Some say that the loss of a child is the worst thing that can happen to parents. But Wade’s death was not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing would have been if he died because of anger or hurt. He died as all should live – with joy, purpose and meaning.
Our hearts go out to the friends and families of Micah Dash and Jonny Copp. We want to specially thank Senator Amy Klobuchar and her staff, Terry Carlson, Robb Shurr and the wonderful people at Sender Films. As Wade’s parents, we were already prepared to pass Wade on to the people who were to be foremost in his future, his best friend Greg Larsen and his soul-mate and true love, Erin Addison. Their loss is the greatest.
For the media in general:
As a family, we would prefer not to meet with or be interviewed by reporters at this time. We are sure that you can understand that this is an unusually challenging time for us given the complicated nature of the circumstances surrounding Wade’s death.
—Bruce and Susan Johnson
http://www.climbing.com/news/hotflashes/another_american_climbers_body_found_in_china/
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