What Every Climber Fears
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On Saturday, March 18th. California resident and climber Bill Lundeen was skinning alone above Ellery Bowl when the cornice he was traversing collapsed. After Lundeen rode the slide to the bottom, it popped him out seriously injured but alive. He crawled to the roadside, where a Tioga Pass Rescue snowmobile found him. He was transported to Mammoth Hospital in Mammoth Lakes. Injuries include a shattered shoulder blade, eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, several fibular fractures, and multiple torn knee ligaments. Doctors operated on his shoulder, wiring it together, and more surgeries are expected to repair both knees.
Lundeen is uninsured. Hospitalization costs are continuing to mount, and without the ability to work hell have no income. A group of friends is organizing means to assist Bill, and are asking the climbing community to help with donations. An account has been created to funnel funds to Lundeen. If you are able to help, please make checks payable to Tucson Federal Credit Union. On the reference line, include acct #55407-2, Bill Lundeen. Mail to PO Box 42435, Tucson, AZ, 85733.
Additional fundraisers are being discussed. In the meantime, thanks to all who are able and willing to lend a hand.