Climber still missing on Mt. Shasta

[boardman]

Two experienced climbers got stranded up high by high winds and bad weather. One was apparently suffering from altitude sickness. When he became unresponsive, his partner was forced to leave him in a snow cave and make his way down solo. Terrible ordeal. The climber in the snow cave has yet to be found, because bad weather has turned back rescuers several times.

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1130949&tn=80

[The Lisa]

It is a horrible ongoing deal. Mark Thomas, the one who was able to hike down, is a friend of mine. I cannot imagine what he is going through. He and his partner are experienced climbers and mountaineers.
I discounted a lot of what was reported in the media since these events are so often misreported and misunderstood.
It is horrible what Tom Bennett's family and friends are going through now, waiting for weather safe enough for the search team.

[boardman]

wow, did not expect there would be a connection to these guys on T4T. really sorry to hear about your friend. I'm sure he's dealing with the usual issues surrounding people in such circumstances. Hope he gets help if he needs it and makes a full emotional recovery.

[Seeker]

Oh I am so sorry. I can't imagine what your friend is going through, or the family of the lost climber. So sad.

Thanks for the link. It sounds like they did everything right. There is just no way to prepare for the unpredictable.

[boardman]

Especially altitude-related sickness in someone who's an experienced climber/mountaineer. Had he remained healthy, I'm sure Mr. Bennett would be home safe and sound with his friend. Crazy.

[StuckInJersey]

Weather broke this morning for the rescue teams. Here is a short update from the news site. Very sad indeed.
http://m.redding.com/news/2010/apr/01/rescuers-flying-out-find-stranded-mt-shasta-hiker/

[The Lisa]

What an experience to have with you for the rest of your life. I really cannot imagine.
Dealing with objective dangers is one thing, such as the weather trapping them near the summit. However they were prepared for that and hunkered down for the night.
How do you plan for HACE or HAPE though? Injectable drugs are not typical pack contents, not for most mountaineers on 14,000ers.