[Blunk]

From Climbing Magazine:

Todd Skinner Killed in Yosemite
By Dougald MacDonald
 

Todd Skinner, one of the great American free-climbing pioneers of the late 20th century, has been killed on Leaning Tower in Yosemite Valley. Details about the accident are not yet known, but longtime Yosemite rescuer Werner Braun confirmed the death in a post to www.supertopo.com.

Highly motivated and widely traveled, Skinner pushed free standards around the world, from his home in Wyoming to Nameless Tower in Pakistan. A pioneer of big-wall free climbing, Skinner was perhaps most famous for his first free ascent of the Salathé Wall (VI 5.13b) on El Capitan, a team-free ascent with Paul Piana in 1988 that opened the door to many other El Cap free routes. Skinner’s “hang dogging” tactics and early embrace of bolt-protected sport climbing earned him vitriolic enemies in California and elsewhere, but over time most critics were silenced by his consistently positive attitude and the quality of his climbs. Skinner leaves a wife, Amy, and three children at his Lander, Wyoming, home.



On a personal note, Todd was a great guy, always upbeat and never negative about others. I always enjoyed climbing with him and he was a gracious host to me many times in Lander and Hueco Tanks. I am very sad he has passed away.

[Bubba]

That's extremely sad news

And sorry to hear of your personal loss Blunk.

Rock and Ice have reported that the accident occurred whilst "descending fixed ropes".

[Johnny Brown]

Shit. This quote of his has always stuck in my mind:

'Live your life like a thrown knife. Begin it.'

[Falling Down]

Terribly sad news.. RIP.

[erm, sam]

I remember that quote as well. I was well inspired by it.

[mark]

Sad news. He certainly did a lot of inspiring stuff. Anyone else remember an article in an early OTE by Craig Smith about the stuff they used to carry in their rucksacks at Hueco in case the rangers searched them for bolting gear. Just looked it out, here's the quote:

Sure enough that day, as predicted, Uncle Bob [the ranger] searched Todd's sac for the tools of the trade, the offensive bolt drill and bolts. Did he find them? No, but what he did find puzzled him immensely. Why was Skinner carrying around a waffle iron, two croquet balls and a year's suppy of prophylactics?

I've always had a nagging doubt that I fail to live up to the quote JB repeats above, suspecting that I live my life like a dropped spoon.

[Pantontino]

That is sad news. I met him once in Spain about 15 years ago. He was like the court jester at the crag, a real character.

[Doylo]

That is shocking, i'll never forget that pinky one armer in masters of stone 2.

[Nibile]

sad news really.
skinner, berhault and lafaille, its been a hard year for climbing.

[Sloper]

A sad loss of an inspirational figure.

[Sloper]

Obit in the Times today.

[Nibile]

holy fucking shit, harness failure.
the belay loop broke.
old old harness.

[Bubba]

or maybe a faulty harness?

shit, that is terrible - so unlucky

[ferret]

very sad

but a lesson too us all, keeping gear up to date is priceless. uv damage and unseen wear n tear is alot more common than we think!

[Sloper]

Time to retire the rope I found in 1988

[hongkongstuey]

Shit. This quote of his has always stuck in my mind:
'Live your life like a thrown knife. Begin it.'

I bet you used to wear No Fear t-shirts....

[Bubba]

This is really sad:

"It (the belay loop) was actually very worn," Hewett said. "I'd noted it a few days before, and he was aware it was something to be concerned about." Friends of Skinner said he had ordered several new harnesses but they hadn't yet arrived in the mail.

[Slide]

Fuck!

I think all those gipes about my worn retro piece of shit shall not fall on deaf ears.  off t' get me a new one me thinks.

[SA Chris]

Just read this, really sad. One of the first international climbers to visit SA, and let the world know how much it has to offer. I went to one of his lectures and can remember being inspired by his jaw dropping tales from around the world.