Support for Climbing Guide, Mike Paugh

My brother, Mike Paugh is a climbing guide in Morgantown, WV. On Sunday, October 4th, 2020, he had a horrible climbing accident at Cooper's Rock (Roof Rock), resulting in a double compound fracture in his left ankle tibia and fibula with both bones exciting through the skin. Thankfully, his girlfriend Sarah was with him, and other climbers were nearby. As of today (10/6), he has undergone one surgery. He has one more today and at least one more upcoming surgery for reconstruction in about 10-15 days. His insurance will cover some of his medical bills, but he will be left with a large balance due to the EMS extraction from the woods, three surgeries, a long hospital stay, and physical therapy following.

If you cannot donate monetarily, Mike (and Sarah) can use all of the prayers, good vibes, and words of encouragement that we can offer. He has a long journey ahead, but we know he will back to doing what he loves once he heals. He is so grateful to the Monongalia EMS, Cooper's Rock staff, family and friends, and the tight-knit climbing community in WV and across the country.

Mike's recounting of what happened (posted on FB):

Peeps...I’m not sure where to begin.

I guess here: (WARNING long post/somewhat graphic)

I was injured very badly on Sunday, October 4th, 2020 around 200pm Est. leading Upchouca 5.12a recently upgraded to 5.12c at Roof Rocks in #coopersrockstateforest .

@wvusmitty and I set off to the forest to have a beautiful fall afternoon searching for areas where I would be guiding/instructing clients in the future with my new guide service #ascensionclimbingguides . After exploring the cliff line I approached the route knowing it was honestly in my wheelhouse of fitness and current climbing strength but also at the peak of my limit and would test all those to the fullest. Knowing full well the crux of the route was the V5 bouldery start for the first 15 feet I knew I could do this. I rehearsed the bouldery start 10-12 times trying to find my sequence to the hero jug about 15ft up above the crux section.

I set off one last time committing to the boulder problem start knowing full well there is a point of no return where I CANNOT jump off without getting injured..no pads, committed, no down climbing.

I felt gassed and pumped immediately after making it through the crux, probably from the 10-12 times trying the start figuring out my sequence. Where I thought the first piece of gear would go from my ground assessment was complete garbage. Feeling pumped and knowing a bit mentally I was in trouble, I continued upward finding an excellent horizontal seam, placing a yellow Metolius TCU up to the trigger with all 3 lobes fully engaged with an alpine draw clipped with the rope. Breathing a sigh of relief I asked Sarah to take and the cam held me perfectly. I proceeded to shake out my arms knowing the climbing above from observation looks to ease up significantly with a couple more solid gear placements.

As soon as I shifted my body weight left to continue the route, the TCU blows from the rock with the sound of a 12-gauge shotgun along with a piece of rock hitting me in the face.

From here they say your whole life flashes before your eyes. All I can say is it happened so fast all I remember is hitting the ground screaming in pain knowing full well I was severely injured. I fast forward telling you I suffered a double compact fracture to my left ankle tibia and fibula with both bones exiting through my skin.

I thank the higher power in the clouds that there was a party of 4 young climbers with Gritstone Climbing and Fitness, LLC
tags on their harnesses who responded to my screams and Sarah's pleas for help. All I can recall is a young girl holding my hand coaching me to breathe through the pain while Sarah compressed my injured leg all while the young men waited for EMS and Fire/rescue.

People, I cannot express enough gratitude to the men and women who assisted with my extraction out of Roof Rocks. From the staff of Coopers Rock State Forest, Park Superintendent Jan Dz
to Adam Polinski for showing us the way out. To every fire and EMS department who reported to my accident, and those of you who litter carried my ass out, I am forever in your debt. I have no idea how I can ever repay all of you.

The outpouring of love from the Morgantown-Cheat Canyon Climbing Community
along with my colleagues on the board of the Cheat Canyon Climber’s Coalition
has been nothing short of amazing.

Please send all the prayers and positive vibes my direction if you would. 1 surgery down, 2 to go in the next 2 weeks. Gonna be a while until I’m back on rock, but I will take all the motivation and upper body climbing workout tips if you want to send them my direction.

Last but sure as hell not least, my Rock of Gibraltar Sarah Smith. Your love, touch, and positivity have already helped me heal. I love you endlessly.