In just a few days I will set out to climb Gray’s Peak, the highest mountain in the front range of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This will be my second “14er”, to use the vernacular of the hiking enthusiast, having bagged Mt. Democrat a few years ago, which, by the way, was just about the hardest thing I have ever done in my adult life. My attention on this upcoming trip had been hijacked by a recent bet between my eldest brother Larry and I – and the topic of the bet might shed some light on the fun, competitive nature of my relationship with my older brothers: “lightest checked luggage, winner takes $50.00″. (I can go ahead and tell you with certainty that neither of us will have checked luggage at all).
My attention to the inherent dangers of what we face ahead was jolted back to reality today upon reading about climbing enthusiast Kevin Hayne, an 18 year-old who just completed High School with Valedictorian honors in Parker, Colorado. Take a look at this short documentary about his recent climbing accident.
This occurred last year. Hayne’s perspective about the fragility of life and how God is in control was moving, and the fact that this wisdom was coming from a high school kid really struck me.
Today I got a call from my brother Phil (who lives in Parker, Colorado). Kevin Hayne had another run in with a 14er – this time at Little Bear Peak – and this time, he wasn’t coming back home. A free fall of over a hundred yards took his life.
The News article was admittedly hard to read. But even harder, was the unfolding drama on the 14ers discussion board that was being updated in real time by Kevin’s climbing partner, Travis. After their satellite uplinks failed, Travis had to make the difficult decision of leaving Kevin (who was still breathing) to trek out and find help. Later in the day, a chinook was getting as close to Kevin as possible in a mountain rescue effort when one of it’s blades clipped the mountainside. The chinook went down, however none of the rescue team perished in the accident. Twelve to fourteen hours later a a foot team finally reached Kevin but it was too late.
I am reminded, just days before we depart, that life has guarantees. I didn’t know Kevin, but I think he would want his story to inspire others to push themselves and to put their ultimate faith and hope in the Creator of these magnificent, haunting mountains. I am more than anything, compelled to Summit once again.
I will be filming the next 7 days of this annual adrenaline junkie tour of the Rockies so stay tuned.
husband, teacher, coach, director, musician, web designer, photographer, and seeker of deeper meaning through spiritual discovery.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey, Marty–
This is Kevin’s dad–I just ran across your posting, and just wanted to thank you for your comments about Kevin and link to his video. It is an honor for my wife and I to know that Kevin’s faith is leaving a legacy, and that God has been actively using Kevin’s death to draw people to Him. Kevin’s love of climbing was only surpassed by his love for Christ! Though we are grieved, we know that Kevin died doing what he loved, and he is now in the presence of Christ, his Savior!
Our prayer is for safety for you and all the hikers–the risks are very real, but so are the rewards (I know, as a fellow hiker). But more, we’re praying for people to realize the greater risk of not doing business with God!
May He keep you, and reach others through you!
In His arms,
Lynn
Lynn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Beth. My brother Phil, who pastors at Southeast Christian in Parker, knew people that knew Kevin. His legacy is continuing to reach others, and the story of how he lived is inspiring.
I have only been married a little less than two years, and have no children yet. I can not begin to understand what you and Beth have gone through, but I abandon all reason and understanding and lay my prayers at the feet of Jesus. I know he will carry you.
God Bless you,
Marty