Acopa President, Steve Karafa, Killed in Car Accident

On monday, August 14, John Bachar, his girlfriend Anastasia, and Acopa president Steve Karafa were involved in a car accident returning home from the 25th annual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. Karafa died at the scene. Emergency response airlifted Bachar to a hospital where doctors diagnosed four fractured vertebrae on the renowned Southern California climber. He remains in stable condition, Bachar’s girlfriend, Anastasia, sustained minor injuries.

Steve will be cremated on friday. He leaves behind a fiancé, Sara, his mother, father, and sister.

Bachar unfortunately is without insurance and will be facing tremendous medical expenses. If you’d like to help John, a fund has been set up (checks or money orders, please):

Mammoth Mountaineering Supply (“John Bachar Fund”) PO BOX 2297 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546Comment on this story

If it wasn’t for the vision of JB (and sticky rubber) where would we allbe? Thanks to the AAC for facilitating this.

Best Climbing, Larry ArthurAAC BACHAR RECOVERY FUND

John was seriously injured in an auto accident returning from the Outdoor Retailer Show last week and is uninsured. Please consider making a donation to the John Bachar Fund c/o The American Alpine Club 710 10th St Golden, CO 80401- to help defray medical expenses. For decades Bachar has contributed to the research and development of climbing footwear while expanding the limits of roped and ropeless free climbing. We wish him a speedy recovery. Tax deductible donations can be made https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/online_sales/nonprofit_donation.cfm?id=1392 online or by calling The AAC at 303 384-0110 Mountain Tools Online www.mtntools.com POB 222295 Carmel CA 93922 Voice 831 620-0911 Fax 831 620-0977