Climber John's Recovery

On January 20th, 2018 John and Becky were climbing at Dardanelle, Arkansas.  They found a trad route with a crack that looked appealing to climb.  John was leading the route and had placed four well-placed pieces of protection when his foot hold broke loose.  Holding on to a small hand hold, John maneuvered to another foothold that also broke loose.  John fell several feet to his last protection, but his weight pulled the protection out.  As he continued to fall, the rest of his protection also ripped out. He ultimately fell thirty feet to the ground, landing on his back and fracturing four vertebrae.  

After going to a small local hospital, medical staff sent him by ambulance to Little Rock where he received further testing before having spinal fusion surgery Sunday afternoon.  He remained in the hospital until Wednesday morning when he was finally able to come back to Memphis. 

John faces significant medical bills and a lengthy recovery period out of work.  He has been a leading member of the Memphis climbing community for several years, teaching children and adults safe climbing techniques at Bridges and on outdoor trips.  John is active in the local community and can be found biking around Midtown or at the Delta Sol booth at the Cooper Young Farmer’s Market.  John has a huge heart and has been a much-needed friend to those around him.  John needs the community’s support now as he recovers.  Please consider donating.