[at-l] Hypothermia Victim

[delita@cfaith.com (Delita Wright)]

Orange Bug - noting where from I am - mentioned some *hubbub* on the list re: the recent hypothermia victim.

I'm no expert, and of course don't have any first hand knowledge - and missed the postings here about it.  But I do work where people who knew him (and I know his wife).

Folks here, of course, were hit hard by the news, myself included.  Although the *suicide* speculation came up, I don't believe it was the majority opinion.  After listening to what's been said here, reading our local news and the worthy comments of Ed Wright:

http://www.mtleconte.com/Death%20of%20Hiker.htm

I myself lean toward the NOT suicide side.  I lean more toward the casual hiker who one day impulsively decided to do a short real mountain hike even if it was freezing.  Because, I can identify.  I'm not always know for my method and forethought.  I do know he was *home alone* that day - so responsible to entertain himself during some time off that no one would want just plain *empty.*

I suspect it was just plain poor judgement.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't really imagine a suicide buying gloves to keep his hands warm while he froze to death.  And taking a thermos of hot drink?  But people around here tend to seem convinced poor judgement would not be a surprise, and maybe there is an edge of *hoping* it was not suicide.

As someone pointed out (here), we'll never know.

This was a real wake-up call for me (I love hiking in the cold, but am still a gear-poor beginner) and The Redhead's very appropriate trip report shortly after I signed back on the list brought it home all the more.

I'm grateful for the tasteful page by Ed Wright.  Maybe I'm not the only one who will think twice, 3 times, before heading out half clad again, or in cotton.  I'm thinking people who don't hike often or read hiker stuff, wouldn't know not to wear cotton.

Hope this doesn't just contribute to confusing the issue...
Delita


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