May 8, 2009
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We are profoundly saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of one of our mountaineering team members on Thursday. William (Bill) Hearne, age 61, was a participant on an eight climber team attempting the West Buttress route on Denali, which consisted of two Mountain Trip guides and six clients. On Thursday, May 7, 2009, the team carried loads of supplies from their camp at 11,200 feet, up and around a feature known as Windy Corner to deposit their loads in a buried cache site at about 13,500 feet. Bill moved well throughout the morning and seemed healthy and in good spirits at a rest stop at Windy Corner. Shortly after climbing above Windy Corner, at approximately 4:00 pm Alaska Time, he collapsed near the cache site.
Cardio pulmonary resuscitation was immediately performed by the two guides with assistance from a medically trained firefighter on the team. Further assistance was provided by two National Park Service rangers who happened on the scene. CPR was performed for over 30 minutes, but Bill never regained a pulse. Two advanced medical personnel (a nurse and a paramedic) from the NPS camp at 14,200 feet arrived at 4:40 pm and shortly thereafter, after telephone consultation with the park’s physician sponsor, Bill was pronounced deceased of apparent natural causes.
Bill came to Denali with years of mountaineering experience, including over a dozen ascents above 14,000 feet. He was an avid runner, personal trainer, and cycling instructor, having run over 50 marathons or ultra marathons.
The team and NPS personnel secured Bill’s body at a suitable helicopter landing zone at 13,500 feet in preparation for an evacuation. The Mountain Trip team is back at their 11,200 foot camp.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to Bill’s family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife Deven and 3 adult children.
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Bill's good friend Russ McKnight, and another team member John Bodley flew off the mountain last night. The remainder of the team spent Friday at the camp at 11,200 ft processing the events of the day before. It was a difficult experience for the whole team, and the decision to continue was not easily made. The rest of the team has decided to go on in honor of Bill.
The team is hoping to move up to 14,ooo ft on Saturday, and will have an opportunity to call home that evening.
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We are so very sorry to hear of Bill's death on the mountain but accept that he was doing what he most wanted to do. May his spirit remain on the mountain.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with Deven and the family to whom we send our deepest sympathies.
To the five of you still on the mountain, we are willing you to go on and summit. Plant a flag for Bill (as well as a Union Flag)!
Steve, Giles, Kevin, Dave and Jacob we admire your courage and determination - GO FOR IT!
God keep you all safe.
Steve's Dad and Christine XX
Dear Steve, Giles, Kevin, Dave and Jacob;
ReplyDeleteLike you we were shocked and saddened beyond belief with our profound loss. I cannot imagine the agony and stress of dealing with the situation you all faced but we thank you for your valiant efforts to revive Bill. We know you gave it your all. We applaud your efforts to go on. Bill would want it that way. I am confident you will succeed.
We here, members of the Oven Door Runners and the Rochester NY running community have lost a dear, dear friend, as have you. No challenge was to big or too small for Bill . . he led us and inspired us . . he befriended all and lived life to the fullest. We are glad you got to meet "our guy" because now we are all connected. We are sure he is looking down upon all of us now and saying "Go on . . . live life to the fullest . . and thanks for being a part of this adventure called "life" that we've all been fortunate enough to share together."
Good luck to all of you. We are thinking of you and wish you safe journey.
Mike Reif
Coach Genesee Valley Harriers Running Club and Greater Rochester Track Club
coachmr@rochester.rr.com
I was one of bill's students at the Downtown YMCA in Rochester. He certainly was an inspiration to me. May he continue to inspire you on your journey. I am so sad but wish the rest of you success in your endeavor. Godspeed,
ReplyDeleteEileen from Rochester
Dear Steve and the rest of the team,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you (and with Bill's family) You have made a brave and difficult decision to carry on but I know it is the right one. You have the support and prayers of everyone who cares for you. I have faith you will succeed. God is watching over you.
I love you Stephen, your sister Lesley xxx
Dear Steve, Giles, Kevin, Dave and Jacob,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are prayers are with you as you summit in Bill's honor. Dave you're the best brother, lead them on!!
Love you
Brent and Michelle
My deepest sympathies are sent to Bill's wife and his children at this very sad time.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are also with the remaining members of the team, Steve, Giles, Kevin, Dave and Jacob, the decision to carry on could have not been an easy one but I have admiration for you all.
I wish you all every success in reaching the summit, not only for your own personal achievement but those absent team members who will not be standing there with you, Bill, Russ and John.
Good luck to you all, stay safe.
Love you Steve
Kate
What a terrible thing to happen, our thoughts are very much with Bill's family at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteSteve, Giles, Kevin, Dave and Jacob we admire you all for taking the difficult decision to continue. We've no doubt you will now be doubly determined to reach the summit which we're sure Bill would have wished.
Remember, all those back home are supporting you, so go for it and fulfil your dreams.
God bless you all - stay safe.
Love Steve's Mum and Francis XX