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RIP Dean Potter

Too bad these exceptional guys died. Goes with the territory I suppose. I sure do marvel at the level of stones those dudes in squirrel suits must have when doing 100mph a few feet above rocky outcroppings. At least us riders have brakes...
 
I don't exactly know what you are trying to figure out but they have enough information to kinda know what happened

It isn’t clear exactly what went wrong, but Hunt apparently clipped the right side of the notch. Potter immediately swooped away, lost altitude and hit the rocks a split second later, according to park officials, who are trying to re-create the accident using still photographs and a GoPro camera that was mounted on Potter’s helmet.

“In this sport you have a fraction of a second to make a life-or-death decision,” said Tom Evans, a Yosemite photographer who writes about rock climbing in his blog, ElCap Report. “He has had thousands of jumps, but just one instant of inattention is all you need.”

Mike Gauthier, the park’s chief of staff, said photographs show the two men jumping off Taft Point and then flying for about 30 to 45 seconds until they reached the pass with rock ridges on each side about a half mile away.

He said Hunt had clipped the right side of the ridge as he entered the notch. Potter immediately cut left, possibly to avoid Hunt as he tumbled, and made it through the pass. He somehow lost altitude and hit the lower end on the left side of the notch. Both men were killed instantly.
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s0I4HE1.png


just a guess - there is a reddit thread with some more info
 
Here is the ultimate in commitment and attachments:

[youtube]YPkupiXr3Ow[/youtube]
 
From the Article
"The men — who were wearing wingsuits — were trying to BASE jump, a type of parachuting activity involving jumps from a building, antenna, span or earth structure. BASE jumping is illegal at the park.
“They were both avid rock climbers and both played a vital role in the Yosemite community,” Gediman said. “They both had a deep love and affection for Yosemite National Park, so it’s a horrible tragedy.” "

Yep, Bummer. A tragedy that could have been avoided.
RIP
 
bruceflinch said:
BASE jumping is illegal at the park.

Yep, Bummer. A tragedy that could have been avoided.
RIP
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That's such a bullshit statement coming from a motorcyclist. The legality of it has nothing to do with prevention. Most BASE jumping in the U.S. is illegal for various reasons, but typically not for risk aversion imho.

Maybe they should make motorcycling illegal since it's dangerous too :wtf
 
can't begin to imagine the freedom that this man experienced. am sad for the loss of such an incredibly vibrant person - but am in awe at such a life well lived. a quick exit, with no suffering. he's a profound tribute to the human spirit. soaring. where few dare. very few.

would say rest in peace - but i don't think resting or peace was your aim.

:rose:rose:rose
 
bruceflinch said:
From the Article
"The men — who were wearing wingsuits — were trying to BASE jump, a type of parachuting activity involving jumps from a building, antenna, span or earth structure. BASE jumping is illegal at the park.
“They were both avid rock climbers and both played a vital role in the Yosemite community,” Gediman said. “They both had a deep love and affection for Yosemite National Park, so it’s a horrible tragedy.” "

Yep, Bummer. A tragedy that could have been avoided.
RIP
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Yakoo752 said:
That's such a bullshit statement coming from a motorcyclist. The legality of it has nothing to do with prevention. Most BASE jumping in the U.S. is illegal for various reasons, but typically not for risk aversion imho.

Maybe they should make motorcycling illegal since it's dangerous too :wtf
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tzrider said:
Agreed. When something like this happens some folks act like sitting on the couch and dying of apathy would be better.
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Johndicezx9 said:
No one mention the gun in his avatar can be dangerous as well....

Oooops.
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OK, Unwad your panties, Guys. :twofinger
As mentioned above in other posts, skydiving, motorcycling, climbing are all dangerous activities. I did say RIP & Bummer. And I meant that.
I merely pointed out they made illegal jumps. If they loved Yosemite so much, why did they feel it necessary to make the jumps anyway. They also made their attempt at way less than perfect conditions.

I had skydiver friends that made illegal jumps off Half Dome & died as a result. A tragedy, yes. Avoidable, Yes In 1980, Jumping off El Cap was legalized for about 6 months under strict guidelines for the safety of the public & preservation of the Park.

Yet so many people continued to make "bandito" jumps, that the ban was reinstated. I have other dead friends that made illegal BASE jumps. Every Skydiver I know/knew, recognized the hazards of "normal" jumping, let alone making a bandito jump. It is part of the price we pay for the rush of adrenaline. If you are going to Play, You have to Pay.

Everytime I get on my bike, I seldom drive under 80. Illegal-Yes. Risk taking-yes. I accept that & will pay the price if the bill comes.
 
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don't know why the community chews off its leg over shit like this. fuckers go for it. they make it out, they don't. their choice. i think that's exactly what they have in mind when they take that leap. anything anyone else has to say about it is immaterial.
 
Fwiw. Dean probably did more for the sport (both furthering it and the legalization of it) then most even try

He worked hard to attempt to make the sport legal in national parks

I wasn't jumping in you... Just calling it as I saw it :love
 
These people amaze me. Their skill, daring, sense of adventure are awesome.

I wish I wasn't making this comment because of this incident.

I hope their friends and family and dogs heal soon.
 
Dean Potter lived more in his 43 years than just about any 10 people you can pick.

He may have lived fewer years than he could have, but he lived them to their full extent.
 
Valley Uprising on demand, that's an awsome documentary. The climbing world basically lost their Rossi. :thumbup for these icons of the sport.
 
Climber said:
Dean Potter lived more in his 43 years than just about any 10 people you can pick.

He may have lived fewer years than he could have, but he lived them to their full extent.
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That's an interesting question, because I think adrenaline junkies like him are wired differently. Jumping off a cliff might be his cup of coffee. Your life is how you perceive it and I'm sure he had, as he perceived it, a lot of mundane moments. I think it's tragic that he died, but as I get older i am slowly learning to be far more envious of the people who seem to have a simple grace to their life and find happiness in even the most mundane things. Those are the people that really have this "life" thing nailed.
 
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