Doug Coombs dies in La Grave avalanche

K2 will be re-issuing the classic "Upon This Rock I Build My Church" poster shortly, cost is $20, with proceeds benefiting www.dougcoombsmemorialfund.com - go to www.k2skis.com to reserve a copy -

A nice article on Chad VanDerham. His story kind of gets lost. Like Dave Bridges who was with Alex Lowe on Shishapangma. Great mountaineers and men, but known in a smaller circle.

www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3695788

New York Times today ran an article about the accident along with a slide show of images

RIP and condolences to the families and friends.

If there is anything to learn from this it is go get a helmet if you don't already wear one. Who's to say what would have happened, but both died from head trauma and helmets are extremely effective at preventing this.  All image, comfort, and personal freedom issues aside, wouldn't helmets have been a worthwhile hedge against the innumerable times these guys put themselves into potentially dangerous situations? They say dying doing what you love is not as bad as other ways of dying (or ultimately maybe not a bad thing at all); living doing what you love must be even better.

Anyway just wanted to point out the obvious I guess, and not trying to pick a fight so please spare me the then they should have stayed on the couch wrapped in bubble wrap nonsense.