Dying While Climbing?

Of all the ways to die, this is got to be the stupidest - there is nothing noble or heroic about dying this way, it's just plainly stupid!

I don't mean to be insensitive to the recent loss of the climber who was just found frozen to death in an ice cave on the side of a mountain in Oregon. It is tragic but entirely predictable that this would happen to him and probably to his two buddies that have yet to be found, because of the sheer insanity of their expedition in winter, on one of the steepest and most dangerous mountains in North America.

Every year, this scenario is repeated where climbers irrationally set out to 'conquer' a mountain that clearly wishes not to be conquered, particularly in the winter season. It has to be asked, what motivates these individuals to risk their lives and limbs and the future lives of their families, for the thrill of conquering an unforgiving mountain somewhere? Do they not care about the loss and heartache that will be experienced by their families if they don't return? Do they not care enough about their own lives that they are risking so foolishly? Do they not care about the thousands of man-hours and thousands of dollars that have to be spent from public funds in trying to find them if they don't return? Do they not remember that 14 other climbers have died on this same mountain in the last 4 years?

Sadly and incredibly, I think the obvious answer to all five questions is....no, no, no, no and no!
If they truly cared, would they really engage in such a dangerous undertaking, given the huge risks and the uncertain prospect of success? I certainly would not - and I'm certain all of my sane friends and associates would also agree.

It's especially sad when these tragedies happen at a time of year, when we are celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with the joyous celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Their deaths are a sorrowful reminder to their families and friends, of how inconsiderate, selfish and self-absorbed, these thrill-seekers were.

I'm sorry I can't say it any other way - I get angry just thinking about their stupidity, their arrogance and their recklessness!