Yea, that way you can take everybody else with your ill-prepared self. If you want to conquer the unknown - on your own.

For mountain climbers...what other way..???

Always have a sat phone when you're out hiking.

Yes, so you can call someone else to put their life in danger for your stupid decisions.

I really don't see the need. For these two, what possible help could anyone render after they plunged down a 1000 foot fall, even supposing they had time to call on the way down.

If you are climbing some remote peak, you're on your own. The only use for a satellite phone I can see, would be to call one's loved ones one last time.

Well, these two died doing what they loved to do. It is tragic, but they knew the risks.

"The Cordillera Blanca climbing season runs from June to September, and the deaths of Weiss and Horne bring to eight the number of mountaineers who have lost their lives in the range so far this year, the AP said."

That's a lot of deaths for a relatively unknown mountain range.

There will always be those who 'push the envelope on danger - unfortunately, they paid the price. Condolences to the families.

Actually it would have helped in finding them sooner Nobody knows if they survived the fall and froze to death. A sat phone is always a good idea on any hike or climb.

Giantego~ "Nobody knows if they survived the fall and froze to death."

Excuse me? Survive a 1000 foot fall? Seriously? Heard of anyone doing so, ever?

What was on top of the mountain that was so important anyway? I stay inside when we have hurricane winds. Does not make any sense other than to say I climbed up some stupid mountain. Does the "mountain" brag to the other "mountains", "Hey I killed more climbers than you peaks this year"? Weird eh?

Survive a 1000 foot fall? Seriously? Heard of anyone doing so, ever?

Yes. I know a lady that did a 1000 meter (which is just over 3000 feet) sky dive, her parachute failed to open - she survived. Albeit with a lot of damage, but she survived.

Adam Potter, a Scottish mountain climber, survived a fall of 1000 feet while climbing in 2011.

Alan Magee fell 20,000 feet in 1943 after being blown from his B-7 over France - and survived.

There have been 42 falls from over 10,000 feet (out of planes during air disasters), in which people have survived without a parachute. Very, very rare - and these people are very very lucky.

So, yes, it's possible that one or both of these men survived the 1000 foot fall - though, that would be against the odds.

What was on top of the mountain that was so important anyway?

Discovery, beauty and pure awe. Pure amazement of just how grand the Earth is.

They wanted to challenge death.

Peru has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery on Earth. It's so unfortunate that the climbers lost their lives, but what an awesome place to spend your last days.

Have you, or any member of your family, ever had a motorcycle, high performance car, roller skates, an ATV, hunted, water skied, played a contact sport, ......? Same logic applies.

"They never think about the consequences..."

How do you know that? Answer: you don't. And you're probably wrong. Just because someone does risky things, such as mountain climbing, hardly means that they are unfeeling, with " Alot (sic) of self centered ego..."

You are making assumptions and judging people that you know nothing about. They died doing and living what they loved to do, not sitting on the sofa knocking back beers, eating junk food or any other useless way of life.

who asked you to feel sorry for them?

NO...no...the selfishness comes from the people who are not able to accept decisions made by loved ones. These men were adults, not children. I feel sure their families, knowing the risks are embracing their memories as they let their spirits soar. These are unselfish people who are able to embrace the decisions their loved ones make. It is the only way to thrive and live life. You have to follow your bliss. If others do not understand it, it is their problem and their loss. Evidently, it takes a special breed of people to reach these heights as they are encouraged by their loved ones. To me, the risk is worth it.

I guess that 727 would rather that they sit on the couch next to him and avoid all risky activity.

That's not living that's just respirating.

Bottom line is we are all going to die. These men died doing what they loved. Most just die from sitting on their asses (heart disease, lung disease, cancer, etc.) too afraid to do anything fun.

Quite honestly I respect them for making the most out of life even though it was shorter than many.

Let's face it, people die young all the time from accidents or wacko's.

Riding a motorcyle and hunting is not the same as climbing a 22,000 foot mountain in hurricane force winds in sub zero weather. And no, I don't feel sorry for them as the writer of this article was begging for. But ask the families how they feel now of their husbands/fathers "adventure" is the point I was making......

727-I simply ride a bicycle. Google dangerous sports. Cycling is up there with the top 10!! I've been hit 3 times and lucky enough to walk away with broken bones and no permanent damage. Accidents happen in ANY sport. Climbers have my utmost respect for discipline and pushing their own limits. I've had the opportunity to rock climb one time and loved it but lacked the skills and muscle to continue. May they rest in peace and may the loved ones know they died doing what they loved best.

My whole problem with this is...they didn't add in the cost of the resources to go in and pull their bodies out after the fact....There should be a fund that "extremist/adrenaline junkies" pay into BEFORE they want to climb any mountain or go where its not really feasible or easily accessible to pull bodies out of or search for them. I have zero problem with any person or people that want to go and do the extreme...just be responsible about it and think of all the outcomes that may involve others!

Ride, climb, fly your ass off. Leave your phone and beacon at home.

In some cases, going to a movie is the most dangerous thing you can do.

People crash in small planes all the time. We don't say they are selfish and foolish for flying them.

People drive around and around on a track at high speeds, which has to be a pretty meaningless activity, and sometimes they die doing it. Their fans make them heroes. They don't say "Well he was sure stupid to get in that driver's seat. What a waste of money to have fire engines and emergency vehicles on site."

A bad mistake happened, and it's unfortunate. They knew the dangers--they weren't just wealthy people who hired guides to get them to the top. I'm sorry they fell.

Seven2Seven you are an idiot. Getting on the road with people who think they are Mario Andretti is much more dangerous. The same logic does apply to motorcycles, high performance cars etc. People, like you, who have no clue about hiking are unable to speak about something you know nothing about. Continue your life inside a bubble I will continue to enjoy the great outdoors and yes I am aware an ACCIDENT can happen at any time.

I agree. Bottom line is doing risky things for nothing is plain stupid. Justifying it by saying you don't know nothing about it is also stupid. You don't have to participate in mountain climbing to know climbing 30,000 feet up in harsh weather conditions far from your home country is dangerous, just need to use common sense.

@Seven2Seven:

"I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph." - Ken Kesey

Some of us would rather be a conduit for life's electric moments.

No worries, though, Seven2Seven.

We need people like you to stay cozy, warm, and safe to record them for us as well.

What really gets me is how the families have to pick up the pieces left behind from the extreme sport junkies when it all goes bad. As far as the person who had the mishap and is now gone there isn't much that can be said other than I hope they died on impact and didn't suffer much. One can only feel so bad for someone pushing the envelope.

They chose a risky hobby. They wanted to experience more of life than the average "Joe. My hats off to them, I do not despise them, I do not feel sorry for them, I applaud them.

Their families will grieve, I hope they understand the climbers need to fulfill their adventurous nature.

dear, we all die. Nothing unique or new about it. We take chances as we subconsciously accept the potential deadly outcomes. Most of us have a morbid curiosity about death, and we are willing to challenge it. Our choices. Your point is ..well.....pointless. I forgot one thing. You are selfish. Accept other people's wishes and realities and deal with your "selfishness".

If anyone writes "...at least they died doing what they loved to do." < I'd like to say in advance that this is a very idiotic thing to say. Implying that what we're doing when we die somehow has an influence on how horrible or not horrible it is

Saying "at least they died doing what they loved to do" does not imply that what we're doing when we die somehow has an influence on how horrible or not horrible it is. Death occurs to everyone - but it's always horrible.

Saying "at least they died doing what they loved to do" implies that you recognize that the person was living life the way they wanted to live life. They were having fun with their limited time on Earth. This is a good thing. True, it doesn't make the death any less horrible, but it does mean that you are celebrating the person's life.

I honestly do hope that when I die - I die doing the recreational activities I love. I hope I die on Everest or crossing Antartica, for example. Because, yes, at least I will die doing what I loved to do. At least I will have died living life to it's fullest for me.

I don't want to die while engaged in something dangerous. In fact, I don't want to die at all! But of course, I will...

I think it's silly to talk about people dying doing what they loved to do because it's such a romantic, unreal thing to say. No one falling down a mountain is thinking "Oh well, at least I love this."

I also think it's silly to wish to die doing something dangerous and think that that's living life to its fullest. A full life doesn't mean one lived on the brink of disaster--that's just drama. There is more to a full life than having fun and engaging in recreational activities.

JayeLL... Stating that extreme sport enthusiasts like mountain climbers live on the brink of disaster is an assumption, also you couldn't be more WRONG!

These athletes plan and strategise to keep themselves AWAY from the brink of disaster! YOU imply the more dangerous the better they like it, what an idiotic statement. Reaching the peak of a mountain and overcoming its difficulties is not the same as wanting to keep it at the brink of disaster and heartbeat from death, trust me, these climbers go for the view and the thrill of overcoming, NOT the thrill of being scared to death at every moment. These were experienced climbers so I can guarantee that during many of their climbs they were indeed safer than you during many of your trips to a shopping center, you just don't realize it.

NANCY- Your statement is about dieing what you love to to is idiotic; your assumption that is we die anyway it doesn't matter if we are satisfied with our accomplishments or not; I think MOST would wholeheartedly disagree with you. You miss a very important point, the difference between dieing doing what you love and dieing in a dismal way is not how you died, its how you LIVE! When I die, it will be after living a fulfilling life other than a dismal one... this way I know I will die doing what I enjoy regardless what it is. The real regret isn't in the death, its in the life you lived before you died.

K. Truant, it seemed to me that a previous poster was implying that one was fully alive only if engaging in dangerous activities--thus my comment. However, I believe that climbers do live on the edge, so to speak. I don't meant that they are foolhardy or that they don't plan their trips--I know better than that. I mean that without the danger, they wouldn't be doing it. I think they are brave to face that danger, and I don't think it's a waste of anyone's money to rescue or recover people.

JayEll: I don't know if it was my comment that you believed implied that one was fully alive only if engaging in dangerous activities or not. But if it was, that's not what I was saying at all. What I was saying is that for some people, these activities are living life to its fullest (I happen to be one of them). For other people, these activities aren't living life to its fullest. Everyone should live life to the fullest - whatever that means for them. If someone lives their life to the fullest for them, then saying they died doing what they loved (whatever that may be) isn't insulting, imo - it's celebrating their life.

why would anyone hang out with you ? boring....

No one will hang out with him. Thats why the stupid comment. He chooses to lead a boring and secluded life, that is his choice.

Define a boring life for us. Please. I'm begging you.

What you find boring, other people might consider "comfortable". You don't always need to "be the lightning rod" to find enjoyment out of life.

I'm sure that just crushes their family. They were really relying on you to help them through it.

@Cunical: Those waiting in the wings for your empathy must be holding their breath for it to descend upon them like a breath of cool wind. How precious must it be for you to be so sparing of it!

cunical is another pathetic loser who decided to do nothing with his life and chooses to bash others in death for doing what they loved.

To those slamming cunical... That is what forums are for. To post opinions regardless of how rude or uncouth they may seem. They are no more or no less ridiculous then the bleeding hearts who are feeling oh so sorry for the tragic incident and are praying for their families. Please. Like people that don't know the hikers or their families give a @!$%#e either way.

The tragedy is not in the death, its in the life that was lived prior to dying. If you lived a dismal unfulfilled life, this is the true tragedy. I choose to live a fulfilling life, then when my time comes, regardless what happens I know I will die doing what I love, there is a difference!

Oh wow you like surf man-or kayak whatever.A spoiled person.One of those spoiled people making thrill seeking your "lifes' work"

I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, I'm not quite ready to give up my organic vessel yet.

Yeah, I'm going to hang onto my organ for a while and not do something to kill myself that costs others a lot of money and puts them in danger recovering my stupid ass.

my stupid ass.

Too right, mate. You go on 'hang onto my organ for a while,' doubtless it's what you do best.

Still, if you happen to fall into the water by accident while you're hanging onto your organ, I'll jump in and save you from the sharks. I'll even hit the shark with a stick or my hands, if necessary, to make it flee. I won't count the cost to life and limb, nor the cost of equipment before I save you. Nor will I count that you're an asshat, or that you're diddling yourself while walking and the fact that you're kind of dumb or uncaring about others.

Nope, the rest of us will come and help you because you're a human being and technically part of the human race. We won't let you drown or be eaten alive because you're a jerk. If you are eaten, we'll try to retrieve whatever is left uneaten, because that's what we do for your family. It's a service.

This is something I've already done once. In the surf I was hit and knocked down by a large shark (species unknown). My friend was far out in the ocean, beyond the breaker line. I swam out and brought her in, fearing at any moment that I'd be bitten. I still go in the ocean whenever I can.

GAdude it is not up to you to give up your organic vessel. I would much rather go the way these two individuals went rather than being killed by some idiot on the highway.

True, no one has complete control over the longevity of their organic vessel, but I've never understood those who put theirs at imminent risk of destruction by taking up these extreme sports to make themselves feel more "alive." Adrenaline rushes are highly overrated, in my opinion. It's also true that any of use can be killed on the highway, or in any number of other relatively unremarkable ways, but engaging in risky pastimes does nothing to mitigate those risks we're all compelled to take every day, it only adds significantly to them.

you may live a long and boring life and end up taking months to die as your body slowly decays in the hands of a medical team, claiming to extend your "miserable" life. It will cost a small fortune while you are in pain and confusion. After you die, the morticians will have another bite at you and rip off your surviving relatives of what money they have left so your organic smelly flesh may degrade further in a very expensive waterproof casket. Does it sound good to you ?

alumette - these guys may not have avoided the pain - they could have lay at the bottom of that precipice for days, broken and in pain. You don't know. They also did not avoid sucking their families dry - they will be recovered at great expense (and risk to the recoverers) and then will have that funrary treatment.

nobrent it must be an even slower day for you since you took the time to comment.

I had the honor of meeting these guys and I can tell you that they were experienced climbers. When they climbed, safety was always paramount but unfortunately accidents happen. Ben took photographs for National Geographic and had a great sense of humor. Both knew that climbing can be risky and both came from families who supported their love of adventure.

As far as costs involved in their search and rescue -- funds were provided by family and friends of both men.

So, I guess the best thing for you to do now, is get back to your remote...

That is what gets me-the costs to the gov for rescuing people doing these things, money that can be used for so much more, esp in these tough eco times. I d/k the details but in some jurisdictions/areas, you DO have to pay the rescue costs. But you cannot get blood from a stone. If they spend $100K rescuing someone, a judgment is worth nothing in most cases. Yes, you can grab bank accounts, property, if they are a W2 earner, garnish (but not much) but most of the time, the person is judgment-proof. Many deadbeats know to run their own business, cash, virtually nothing in a checking account, put the house in Mother-in-law's name (real case with a contractor-saved the house from foreclosure then check bounced-learned that lesson about not spending three days on Motions and such before the check cleared-newbie mistake back then). Then, when you get enough judgments, change the name of the corporation by one letter (e.g. Pro Serve to ProServ), new tax id#, file bankruptcy, etc. (this guy did all of the above). On the other hand, if the gov does it (like child support collections, incl NYS), you don't pay, they start with suspending your license and possible criminal charges and even jail.

Agreed.

Unfortunately the victims' survivors sometimes come here to see what people are saying about their kinfolks. Imagine how their hearts break when they read what cretinous yahoos write here about their lost loved ones...

It's appalling what's written that loved ones may read here publicly. So much hatred and resentment toward unknown deceased people who never wronged them, other than accidentally die.

These people have issues.

Yup Peridot...I am a friend of Ben's, and the comments are heartbreaking. Thanks for acknowledging that. I am not sure what is to be gained by speaking ill of someone you didn't even know in the midst of a tragedy. Maybe they're just jealous of the press and attention this is getting? In any case, I find comfort knowing that people who really knew Ben would never say such things. He inspired many people in his short life, including myself. I would like to leave you with a quote of Ben's I really appreciate and which shows some insight into the truly amazing person he was:

"Trying to impress memories of ourselves is pointless, we are soon forgotten. However the ways in which we affect peoples lives and the world around us can be lasting even if no one remembers our name. The goal of changing things for the better can be reached- the key is to inspire others, to affect other people in little ways, and they in turn will continue to pass it down. When we seek personal glory, we can achieve transient fame; if we seek to better the world we can contribute to lasting results. If we don't pass it on, it will fade as memories of us fade."

Thank you Ben for passing on the light. RIP.

Thank you for this beautiful quote from Ben. He sounds like an outstanding young man and very sensitive to the fragility of life. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I hope his family is comforted by friends like you, violincuty.

No, it is called caponing.

but i sure the hell have enough sense not to climb a Mountain

Too bad, you've missed seeing some of the most amazing places on Earth.

Big deal. Suppose I told you that I was not amazed, and never will be. How is that too bad? Two people knowingly took risks with potentially fatal consequences, which is exactly what happened. No surprise there. All this for seeing something amazing.

We are all going to die.

They weren't afraid to live.

Suppose I told you that I was not amazed, and never will be

That's your loss.

Two people knowingly took risks with potentially fatal consequences, which is exactly what happened.

Yeah, that is what life is. Life, itself, has fatal consequences - we all die eventually. I'd rather die having lived a life that I enjoy. You may not enjoy climbing, that's fine - do what you enjoy to do. The point is - live life, don't be afraid of living life - do what you enjoy. If you're lucky, your life will be full of things you don't regret doing, and lack regrets of not doing something you wanted to do.

Summer,

Great post and all so true!

Thank you NStiz.

You may have enough "sense" but you don't share the sense of adventure these men had, and that's got nothing to do with college. To each his own, so why put down others because they don't enjoy the same things you do? You could call it common sense, or you could call it small-minded, to think others have to be just like you.

Tarzan7 how many times a day do you get on a highway or road? Even once tells me you aren't as smart as you think you are since that is more dangerous.

First of all, my sincere condolences to the families, my wife and I were both mountaineers and climbers before kids.

Next, I would not call it common sense to be a couch potato but I am glad you do not climb. If people like you were climbers there would be a lot of bad press and more deaths. Stay home and worry about arthritis from pressing the channel selector.

@ TC... So driving an automobile is more dangerous than mountain climbing huh? More automobile deaths than mountain climbing deaths every year doesn't equate to mountain climbing being safer.

You probably don't have too many accidents or mistakes as a mountain climber where as automobile accidents are far more forgiving.

You obviously know no one who climbs.

Every climber and backcountry skier I know contemplates the risks they (we) take every time they (we) go out. Not doing so is recipe for disaster. We equally understand that experience and preparation never guarantee a safe return home.

Then...have you contemplated what it will take for the rescue team to get your rotting body out of the mess you yourself put it in?...like I said...there should be a fund that you contribute to BEFORE you go out to these remote places to pay for your removal...IT COSTS ENORMOUSLY to retrieve people dead or alive.

How many mountaineers have you asked do you ever think...I might not come back.

That was always a thought in our heads when we climbed, it was always a possibility but it was something we loved to do and would love to do again if I was not so old. A wise old climber once told me "it is not making the summit that counts, it is making it back to you vehicle"

As for rescue personel, it is something you live for, being able to use your skills for a rescue or a salvage. we were awakened one time at 0300 and asked to volunteer to go to 19000' to rescue a seasoned climber w/HACE. it was all volunteer until we transferred him to the ambulance at lower altitude. I believe there is a fee here in the states for a chopper assist now, something like 50K.

Perhaps they would be wiser if they were older.