tragedy

[guest]

First and foremost I want to express my deepsest sorrow for Tom and everyone close to Jan. This is a terrible tragedy and she will be missed greatly.
Secondly, I am so upset that this tragedy happened because it shouldn't have. I am amazed that she was jumping borrowed gear for such a high profile jump. It just seems like plain common sense to me that when doing a jump that possibly the whole world will see you would have nothing but the best base jumpers, (all totally current), jumping in the best conditions, using the best gear possible and that is it!!! If any one of these safety issues is compromised then you don't do the event -- especially when the whole world is watching. Yes it is hard jumping your best gear when you know it is going to be confiscated, but in a jump of such importance how could you even think of using anything but the best??????

I am very thankful for Jan and the other jumpers standing up for all of us, but we must learn from our past and no matter what never loose respect for the sport we do. Every jump, no matter how easy it may seem, is still a base jump and deserves 100% respect, especially when it is being viewed under a microscope. The organizers of this jump should have allowed no compromises in any ability, gear, etc... NO MATTER WHAT!!

Again 1st and foremost it is a great tragedy to loose jan and my deepest sorrow goes out to all who were close to her.

jumper

[guest]

I'm a bit behind the power curve and just trying to catch up - i know this is a somewhat old thread, but i just have to put in my 2 cents here....

You say "the organizers of this jump,..,.,...."

What, are we now BASE police & babysitters? Jan was my friend and this is in no way a bad reflection on her or Avery - decisions were made, right or wrong - hindsight is a wonderful thing. It wasn't Avery's job to "babysit". He is IN NO WAY to fault or point a finger at in regards to this terrible tragedy.

Those of us who were there that day are questioning ourselves and asking why, what if and all those questions that arise after a tragedy, but I will defend the organizers of the Yosemite Protest jumps to the death! We did what we thought was right and unfortunately it turned out tragically. But I, for one, am still as committed as ever, if not more, to fighting the cause we went after that day. We have suffered a setback, but I WILL NOT LET JAN's DEATH GO FOR NOTHING!!! She BELIEVED WHOLEHEARTEDLY in this cause and I even heard her say more than once if no one else was up to it, she'd go hike El Cap and jump it by herself if need be to draw attention to our plight!

I don't know who you are, because you have chosen not to reveal your name, but to all of you sitting back in your chairs, safely at home, just what have YOU done to help this cause other than sit there and second guess and criticize those who put their butts on the line and took a stand?!

[gowaylow]

Thank you Brenda
The fight is not over. It has just begun.

Have a Go Way Low day