Climbers in China

On June 3, three American climbers were reported missing when they missed their flight home from an expedition on Mt. Edgar (22,368ft) in China. The body of Jonny Copp, one of the best alpine climbers in the world, was found Sunday and identified in avalanche debris. The body of Wade Johnson, of Minnesota, was found Monday. Micah Dash is still missing. The professional coordination of search efforts, both by Chinese and Americans, has been extensive, involving over 200 people.

“We are comforted by the fact that Wade lived and died doing the things that he loved,” the Johnson family said in a prepared statement. “Some say that the loss of a child is the worst thing that can happen to parents. But Wade’s death was not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing would have been if he died because of anger or hurt. He died as all should live — with joy, purpose and meaning.” Wade, associate producer at Sender Films, was headed to work towards his Ph.D. in Chemistry in the fall.

In an interview of Jonny's father, he commented, "These walls are his objectives, and so he's always got an objective; I'm sure he had one after this, but he won't make that. We've had serious talks, you know, couldn't we slow this down and make them easier, or be careful, don't do anything stupid, all that kind of stuff. But, it's like telling a racecare driver not to go too fast.

All three climbers were highly skilled and experienced alpinists. Incredibly sad and scary.