Jolly Gulch Accident

[bigjake4386]

First off I would like to thank God for letting Megan continue her mortal existence. I don't know what I would do without her. I would also like to send a special thanks to Ryan McDonald-O'Lear,Brandon Torres Therese Picard, JJ, Matt, Scott, Melanie, all her doctors,nurses and the many countless others that were part of her rescue, treatment, and support. Megan and I wanted to clarify a few things regarding the accident.

shagdeuce and/or Ray O’Neil (Plateau District Ranger)- I am 25 years old. Megan fell from 210 ft to be exact. I worked at the resort Megan was a former employee. I called JJ from a resort radio.The man ME was NOT cited for failing to obtain a required canyoneering wilderness permit.

ghawk (Gavin)- the bandage was not applied with much pressure at all, bleeding was not an issue amazingly.

Like JJ said SAR did all the real work

JJ- We both had experience rappeling and canyoneering I more than Megan. After all my job title at the resort was Recreation Guide which included guiding canyons. Again much further than the 60 ft and also further than your rough estimate of 100 ft. She lost consciousness twice but before you got there, she was NOT just "gaining consciousness". Both bones were not broken like we both originally thought. It was apparent to me she was suffering from shock as soon as I finally reached her. That's why I had removed my coat and put it on her along with an emergency blanket I had in my survival kit. The bleeding wasnt a major problem especially considering her injury. She DID in fact step in water which made her shoes, socks, and feet wet and cold. As I explained to you at the scene she had stepped in a puddle that was at the bottom of the last rappel. Her feet were NOT drenched in blood. The boot that was on her right foot was bloody from her ankle injury but again not the source of damp/coldness. Megan HAD movement in her appendages the entire time. I questioned her and verified that myself as soon as I got down to hear as I feared more severe injuries and even possible paralysis.

spinesnaper (Ken)- For your information she was ahead of me climbing, I was following her. But yes I do feel responsible for the accident and will be forever scarred.

Jaxx- For your information Megan and I have grown significantly closer and are extremely happy to be together. This accident could have had a very different ending.

[skiclimb3287]

Jake - Welcome to Bogley! Thanks for signing on and clarifying things from your point of view. Really glad that things turned out so well.

[bigjake4386]

Thanks so am I

[spinesnaper]

spinesnaper (Ken)- For your information she was ahead of me climbing, I was following her. But yes I do feel responsible for the accident and will be forever scarred.

Jake

Glad to hear that both you and your girl friend are doing well. I think most outdoor guys have sandbagged a girlfriend or two before learning better. Not suggesting that was the situation for you and Megan. More just a general observation personally learned on more than one occasion under the category of painful lessons often times relearned. Some of us are slow learners.

Ken

[peakbaggers]

"Jaxx- For your information Megan and I have grown significantly closer and are extremely happy to be together. This accident could have had a very different ending."

BigJake: Just for your consideration, a climbing accident brought me and my future wife together, now over 33 years ago. In fact the anniversary of her 200 foot fall sliding down a steep snow gully will be Christmas eve. I watched the doctors stitching up the gash in her scalp and quit counting after 40 stitches. We were just acquaintances at the time but one thing led to another and now she's been my climbing/biking/canyoneering/& every other sport companion since 1978. Guess she really "fell" for me.