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Gene Pool
Trad climber
A trailer park in Santa Cruz
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Jun 11, 2009 - 02:30pm PT
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Bump for these great guys. I remember hearing about Johnny for the first time in an article that detailed his 100 footer of the cerro torre mushroom and thinking "who is this guy?" I am really sad to hear about this. They will be missed. A big hug to their friends and family.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Jun 11, 2009 - 02:54pm PT
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According to reports on Facebook - a page managed by many in the know, the search for Micah has NOT been called off. Instead, they say, it has merely been suspended due to bad weather.
I really hope they can bring Micah home!
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Lissiehoya
climber
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Jun 11, 2009 - 03:19pm PT
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Dirka introduced me to Jonny Copp via the Sharp End video. Love those guys; praying for a safe return.
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72hw
Trad climber
Pasadena, CA
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Jun 11, 2009 - 03:20pm PT
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Just in from the About news feed....
Micah Dash Search Suspended — Rescuers Descend Mt. Edgar
Thursday June 11, 2009
The search for Micah Dash, the missing American climber from Boulder, Colorado, was suspended today because of bad weather on Mount Edgar in western China. The rescue team felt that Dash was unlikely to have survived the avalanche and is presumed buried under snow. The team evacuated the bodies of Jonny Copp and Wade Johnson, which are being transported to Moxi, a town about six hours from the mountain.
Xinhua News Agency in China reports that the eight rescuers—four Americans and four Chinese—descended on Thursday afternoon. Lin Li with the Sichuan Mountaineering Association said, “Weather condition is quite bad, with fog, rain, snow hampering the work. Sometimes stones fell off the peak, another avalanche is quite possible according to our experience.”
Adventure Film Festival notes today on their website that the search for Micah hasn’t been completed shelved, “The search team is resting and will resume searching for Micah when the weather clears.” Stay tuned and we’ll see what happens when the weather improves.
Pete Takeda, one of the American rescuers and a great alpinist, wrote earlier today on his Facebook page: “Pete Takeda , Steve, Eric, and Nick just got down from the mountain. We are all safe and sound. We brought Jonny and Wade down. Micah could not be found. Nick Rosen and Mick Follari met us at the trailhead. Thanks for the support. Words can't express our gratitude.”
Thanks, Pete and the rest of the rescue crew—Eric DeCaria, Steve Su, and Nick Martino—you guys rock in my book. You dropped everything you were doing, traveled to the other side of the world, hiked up to Base Camp, and then put your own lives on the line to bring your mates off the mountain, either dead or alive. That, my friend, is a shining moment in an otherwise bleak week of bad news.
Photograph above (omitted from post): Jonny Copp and Micah Dash at a snowy bivouac in the French Alps in 2008. Photograph courtesy Micah Dash
EDIT to add link and comment:
http://climbing.about.com/b/2009/06/11/micah-dash-search-suspended-rescuers-descend-mt-edgar.htm
Comment: This headline does indeed fly in the face of the FB [age which states emphatically the search has only been suspended, but I thought it was an interesting article with the quotes about the search and the statement that the search will again resume once the weather clears.
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maldaly
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Jun 11, 2009 - 03:34pm PT
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Once again, this just proves that the media ALWAYS gets it wrong.
LONG LIVE MICAH!
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nature
climber
Tucson, AZ
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Jun 12, 2009 - 12:43am PT
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bump
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Llama
Big Wall climber
The bubble that is Irvine, CA
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Jun 12, 2009 - 05:04pm PT
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bump for our friends
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Wade Icey
Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
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Jun 12, 2009 - 07:04pm PT
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bump
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Chris McNamara
SuperTopo staff member
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 12, 2009 - 08:50pm 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
Search Has Ended for Missing American Climber
June 12, 2009, Boulder, CO— It is with deep regret that the American team and Chinese authorities have ended the search for Micah Dash, the third missing climber, on June 12, 2009.
The search began for three Boulder, Colorado climbers on June 3 after they missed their flight from Chengdu, China. The three had not been heard from since they left base camp on May 20, 2009. They were attempting a new route on Mount Edgar (6,618 meters/21,712 feet) in the Minya Konka area of China's Sichuan province.
On June 11, 2009, the bodies of climber Jonathan Copp (35) and videographer Wade Johnson (24) were removed from a broad gulley among avalanche debris on the southeast face of Mount Edgar. The body of the third missing climber, Micah Dash (32) was not located during the week-long search. Some of his equipment however, was located at the scene and he is believed to be dead according to the search team in China.
The bodies of Copp and Johnson were discovered after partial emergence from fresh avalanche debris. After days of effort, the searchers agreed that frequent rock fall and near-daily avalanches made further efforts extremely dangerous. The vast search area and deposition of new avalanche debris further diminished the probability of locating Dash's body.
Though future efforts to locate the third climber might be possible, the uniquely hazardous location, continual avalanches, and deteriorating weather guaranteed by the approaching monsoon season have for now, eliminated any safe, successful search for Dash.
On June 5 two Sichuan Mountaineering Association (SMA) climbers, Li Zong Li and Guo Jie, discovered Copp’s body at 4,000 meters between base camp and advanced base camp. On June 7, Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) climbers Ci Luo and Li Fu Qing located Johnson's body in the same vicinity. The Chinese searchers were soon joined by the teams of Americans who helped with the recovery of the bodies and their belongings.
Searchers included Sichuan Mountaineering Association (SMA) climbers, Li Zong Li and Guo Jie; Chinese Mountaineering Association (CMA) mountaineers, Ci Luo, Yan Ding Ding, Li Fu Qing, and Zhou Peng; and professional American climbers Eric DeCaria, Nick Martino, Steve Su, and Pete Takeda. The American and Chinese climbers combined experience includes dozens of Himalayan expeditions, multiple Everest summits, plus major Patagonian and Alaskan climbs.
Americans Nick Rosen and Mick Follari traveled to China to help coordinate search efforts along with U.S. Consulate Section Chief Tina Onufer from Moxi, the nearest town to base camp. A team of friends coordinated logistical rescue operations from Boulder, Colorado throughout the week. All American’s involved were close friends of the three climbers.
A memorial service for the climbers is being planned in Boulder, Colorado though a date has yet to be set. A fund is being established in memory of the three climbers. Stay tuned to http://adventurefilm.org/ for details, up-to-date information, and to contribute to the search and recovery efforts and memorial fund.
We ask that you are respectful of friends and family at this time due to the sensitive nature of the situation. No other information is currently available. As soon as more information becomes available it will be shared.
###
ABOUT THE CLIMBERS
Jonny Copp
Jonny Copp was born into a life of adventure to Phyllis and John Copp in Singapore in 1974. When Jonny was an infant, the family traveled the world together in a truck with a pop-up camper. After the family settled in Fullerton, California, Jonny could often be found with friends exploring the desert around Joshua Tree National Park. It was there that he first discovered the joy of rock climbing and spending time with friends outdoors – climbing at first with an electrician’s harness and a nylon towrope from his dad’s garage. Over the years he sharpened his skills as a climber and became one of the best in the world. He was a sponsored climber for many well respected companies and in 2008, he was chosen as an ambassador for Patagonia (the company). He excelled in all types of climbing and was known worldwide for his cutting edge first ascents the steepest walls and mountains around the world, including an unheard of trifecta in Pakistan’s Trango Valley with Mike Pennings and a first ascent on Patagonia’s Poincenot with Dylan Taylor. Jonny inspired people in so many ways beyond his climbing. His award-winning photography, writing and film footage have been featured in magazines, books and movies -- leaving the rest of us with rare impressions of life on alpine walls.
In 2005, Jonny founded the internationally acclaimed Adventure Film Festival, based in Boulder, Colorado, where he and long time friend Mark Reiner created a global platform of exposure for adventure filmmakers, with shows in Boulder, across the U.S. and on three other continents. Jonny graduated in 1997 with a B.S. in Geography from the University of Colorado. Jonny believed that the summit meant something, but that ascent style was everything. He’s been the recipient of many grants to fund explorations and pursued climbing in the same manner that he lived the rest of his life—with vigor and passion. He was a hero and a cornerstone in the climbing community, inspiring people daily. Jonny was known for engaging with everyone he encountered—greeting all he knew with a ready smile and a hug. He was the embodiment of the Golden Rule, a larger-than-life legend and will be deeply missed.
Micah Dash
Micah Dash, 32, was born to Anita and Eric Dash of Lancaster, California. His passion for the outdoors began with his involvement as a competitive ski racer and he cut his teeth in the mountains backpacking with his father in the Sierras of California. After high school Micah moved to Leadville, Colorado where he started technical climbing and courses in guiding skills at Colorado Mountain College’s Outdoor Leadership Program. This led to a job instructing for Pacific Crest Outward Bound of the Sierras and then to a position with the prestigious Yosemite Search and Rescue team, during which time he developed world class climbing skills. He took these skills abroad to the great mountain ranges of the world, where he completed major expeditions, all while finishing a B.A. in History at University of Colorado at Boulder, in Boulder, Colorado. As a professional athlete for Mountain Hardwear, his cutting edge ascents around the world include: Pakistan’s Cat’s Ear Spire with Eric DeCaria; the first ascent of the Shaffat Fortress in Kashmir, India with Jonny Copp; a free ascent of El Cap with Matt Segal, and the first free ascent of Nalumasortoq in Greenland with Thad Friday.
Micah’s uncompromising passion for his family and friends is matched only by his love for climbing. His indomitable spirit for adventure and amazing perseverance molded his career as a professional climber and inspirational speaker. Micah was a born showman -- equally comfortable holding court in front of thousands at mountain festivals as he was with a few friends around a campfire. His renowned self-deprecating sense of humor and constant comic relief were well known, even in the face of life threatening situations. He referred to himself as the Woody Allen of alpine climbing, and once said of an uncomfortable bivouac on a wall, “I’ve worn yamakas bigger than this bivy ledge.” Micah would gladly give the shirt off his back to his friends and family, as well as eat all the carrots in their fridge without asking. He is deeply loved and his powerful personality is an inspiration to so many around the world.
Wade Johnson
Wade Johnson, 24, of Arden Hills, Minnesota, son of Susan and Bruce Johnson attended St. Paul Academy where he nurtured his intellect and sense of adventure. He participated in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the American Alpine Institute during his years at Carleton College. He spent a semester abroad in Australia, and six weeks exploring the South Island of New Zealand. His enthusiasm for hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and snowboarding is unbounded. At Carleton, he honed his skills and produced his first rock climbing video, earning a minor in film studies. While waiting to start graduate school, Wade applied for a filmmaking internship with Sender Films, in Boulder, CO. In February 2008, he was made Associate Producer and became an invaluable part of the crew, filming and editing day and night. With Sender Films, Wade accompanied Jonny Copp on filming expeditions to the Black Canyon of Colorado, the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, Mt. Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, and, most recently, to Western China.
Beyond his passion for the mountains, Wade flourishes in many realms. He is an accomplished classical and jazz pianist and talented ceramic artist. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Carleton in 2007 and is scheduled to begin a Ph.D. chemistry program at the University of Washington this fall. In November, he helped supervise a film project about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Wade was very moved by the plight of people living in New Orleans, and hopes to use his knowledge of film and chemistry to make a positive impact. Most importantly, Wade has a great sense of humor, a profound compassion for others, cares deeply for his friends, and has made a lasting impression on all of those fortunate enough to know him. His two best friends are Erin Addison, the woman he cherishes, and Greg Larsen, his life-long friend.
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JakeW
Big Wall climber
CA
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Jun 12, 2009 - 09:19pm PT
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Micah was always fun to be around and made me feel at ease. I wish I could see him again. My sadness is lessened by knowing that, somewhere in the universes, he's having fun with his buddy Jose. Why is it so fun to risk dying and leaving those who love us? Situations like this make me want to think it isn't...but it is! I'll be thinking about you guys and my other fallen friends, and asking for your power, whenever the mountains get too serious.
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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Jun 12, 2009 - 09:32pm PT
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That's a very nice post, Jake.
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MisterE
Trad climber
One Step Beyond!
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Jun 12, 2009 - 09:38pm PT
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Big props to Pete Takeda , Steve, Eric, and Nick for getting done what needed to be done.
You guys are proud!
Erik
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 12, 2009 - 09:49pm PT
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Sad but sensible. Thanks for the update Chris.
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tinker b
climber
the commonwealth
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Jun 12, 2009 - 11:49pm PT
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i remember climbing with micah and amelia at the astrodomes. their dog cleo was there just waiting at the base for rocks to come down. the dog was loving it as people kicked down loose gravel. they told me cleo especially loves indian creek where sometimes more sizable chunks came down. a dangerous activity for sure, but was too fun to stop. kinda like micah.
i agree with jake.
i've known micah over the years, but not that well. we worked at outwardbound together back when he was a little puppy. twenty two and the climbing world was fresh. he had recently had his eyes opened to death and climbing. a family friend of his from southamerica, who lived with him and his family throughout high school, a brother to micah, fell off of his dorm building trying to climb to the top. i think that this was a pretty life changing event for micah. he cleaned up his act and lived life pretty fully.
micah spent time with some amazing people and had some great mentors aimee, jose, amelia, heavy.
i did not know micah well, but witnessed his growth. pretty amzing stuff over ten years. i don't know what that little jew boy thinks of the afterlife...well like jake said it's nice to have a few angels on your side when the going gets tough. i think micah's angels worked overtime in the past 32 years. i am sad their task was too big this time around. i pray for the healing of his family and friends.
and wade and jonny i am sad that i never even got to meet you all. three quality people...i guess we all just have to live a little more in their honor.
it's late here in the east, and i don't know what to say...
peace all.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville
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Jun 13, 2009 - 12:08am PT
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"i guess we all just have to live a little more in their honor."
I think this says it all.
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goatboy smellz
climber
groove tube hell
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Jun 13, 2009 - 01:58am PT
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The benefit show in Estes tonight was a huge outpouring of support from the community. Tommy gave a very moving tribute to Jonny, Micah & Wade that brought the crowed room a little bit closer together on what a great loss we all share. The last photo from Jonny’s camera was overwhelming and reminded us how lucky we all are to make it back home after being out in the cold dark unknown. Go give your loved ones a hug and tell them how much you care for them…life is fragile.
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maui_mark
climber
under a coconut tree
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Jun 13, 2009 - 02:15am PT
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For the last few days Micah I was hope'n you were gonna appear after hiding in some little nook and be like "holy sh#t guys!! I'm over here"
But no its not going to go down like that. Your body will stay a little while longer in the beautiful mountians that you loved so much. But your spirit has traveled the globe 100 times over.
It was one of my greatest pleasures watching you grow over the years from when we met at CMC in Leadville. I spoke of you often and highly to climbers and friends who never climbed, as you were a inspiration to humanity. I thank you for the time in college and beyond and the people I met thru you my friend. Most of all, thank you for your time Micah.
I remember a day in Eldo climbing with you after your first expedition to Greenland. It was after my first time in Indian Creek with you. After climbing all day we ran into Heidi Wertz and Pete Takeda and he asked you for some beta on the El Cap/Half Dome Link up. You were so suprised that someone of his caliber of climbing was asking you for beta. I left that afternoon so stoked.
Back then I was learning to climb Sh#t,.I sucked and still probably suck.
But you were always supportive. There are a lot of people from all walks of life who become great at what they do, but forget where they came from. You Micah never did. Always Respect.
Watching you climb was like watching a swiss watchmater craft a once in a lifetime time piece. Deliberate, methodical, and driven.
Indian Creek will never be the same Micah, nor will my Yosemite experience. You were one of the monkeys I'd always ask if you were in the valley when I got there.
Take Care Micah. I love and miss you out there in this wild and crazy world.
Aloha, Mark Stroeve
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Send
Boulder climber
Three Rivers, California
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Jun 13, 2009 - 02:29am PT
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I was in Moab bouldering at Big Bend and I saw Micah working on Circus Trick. I new who he was and new about all the bad ass climbing he was up to. I thought to myself ... " I gotta meet him ", so I went over and got on Circus Trick and hung out with him for a while. He was truly down to earth and very kind. His personality was comforting and I just wanted to keep hanging out with him. His energy was very positive and I was glad to meet him.
My prayers and thoughts go out to Micah, Jonny, Wade, and all the families and close friends.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Jun 13, 2009 - 09:51am PT
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Just sitting next to Micah made me see how much better a person I could become.
I hope that makes sense - it was really a very powerful moment.
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Porkchop_express
Trad climber
the base of the Shawangunk Ridge
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Jun 13, 2009 - 06:05pm PT
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I never met any of these three guys but just reading about them and hearing what others have said of them makes me think often about how I could take some pages from their book- the way they lived and the selflessness with which they dealt with other people. The fact that they were extraordinary athletes is also very inspiring.
"Angels fold their wings, and weep along with us"
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