Rick DeJarnette Recovery Fund
Donation protected
On Saturday January 6th, 2018, a long-time friend and the American Alpine Club’s Richmond Chapter Chairman Rick DeJarnette took an unfortunate fall while ice climbing in Richmond, VA.
FROM RICK:
"A number of you have asked “Am I the guy in the news?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Very early Saturday morning, I went out to climb a wee-bit of local ice in Richmond. At the very top of the climb, my partner and I miscommunicated about a change. He thought I was going to rappel back to the ground. I thought he was going to lower me. In short, I was off belay when I started walking backwards to initiate the lowering processes. This resulted in a 30’ free-fall to the ground.
I landed on my left leg and back and slid downhill about 15’, arriving in a spine neutral position. I was able to lay there unmoved for about 30 mins while Richmond Fire and Rescue figured out our location and how to get me out. They did excellent work in a challenging environment.
Today is day 5 at MCV and it seems our family has a long couple months ahead. I fractured three vertebrae, two ribs, my scapula, and my left foot. However, I’m very fortunate to be alive with no spinal damage. It could have been worse!
Anna and I are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our family over these past few days. Thank you!!"
As you can imagine, the road to recovery will be long and expensive. I am reaching out to the climbing community and friends who might have a few extra dollars to spare to help a really great guy and his wonderful family get through this tragic accident a little easier.
Thanks for your consideration and generosity,
David Giacomin
Chairman – Washington DC Section
American Alpine Club
FROM RICK:
"A number of you have asked “Am I the guy in the news?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Very early Saturday morning, I went out to climb a wee-bit of local ice in Richmond. At the very top of the climb, my partner and I miscommunicated about a change. He thought I was going to rappel back to the ground. I thought he was going to lower me. In short, I was off belay when I started walking backwards to initiate the lowering processes. This resulted in a 30’ free-fall to the ground.
I landed on my left leg and back and slid downhill about 15’, arriving in a spine neutral position. I was able to lay there unmoved for about 30 mins while Richmond Fire and Rescue figured out our location and how to get me out. They did excellent work in a challenging environment.
Today is day 5 at MCV and it seems our family has a long couple months ahead. I fractured three vertebrae, two ribs, my scapula, and my left foot. However, I’m very fortunate to be alive with no spinal damage. It could have been worse!
Anna and I are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our family over these past few days. Thank you!!"
As you can imagine, the road to recovery will be long and expensive. I am reaching out to the climbing community and friends who might have a few extra dollars to spare to help a really great guy and his wonderful family get through this tragic accident a little easier.
Thanks for your consideration and generosity,
David Giacomin
Chairman – Washington DC Section
American Alpine Club
Organizer and beneficiary
David Giacomin
Organizer
Silver Spring, MD
Anna DeJarnette
Beneficiary
