>>2529197Eh I mean some of us solo here but it's more common than people on the internet think.
From a mountain project post, the rescuer:
To my knowledge, that was the climber's first Free Solo, and I'm sure it will be his last. The poor guy was really shaken up, and the route was well below his ability. I'm glad we do not have another report of a climber's death or suffering from a severe injury. The climber was not alone on The Eye. He was with a friend who, from all other witness accounts, had peer pressured him into climbing the eye. I wanted to have a conversation with this person, but the stuck climber was shaken up, and I didn't want to make matters worse for him.
The friend that (likely) encouraged this free solo, if you are reading this, please realize Free Soloing should only be done for intrinsic reasons. As you said, free soloing is not for everyone, and I agree. We all need nudges to push ourselves in climbing but the risk we choose to take should be our own risk and not determined by others. I saw both of you on the rock from Intersection rock and we could tell something wasn't right. We walked over looking to climb The Eye since other routes were taken at Intersection Rock. Both of you had made little progress on the route and I assume your friend was apprehensive. Based on the conversations I heard you were encouraging your friend to summit but not watching out for his safety. In the future, please listen to your climbing partner and support them don't push them.
This is not meant to be an internet shame but just a tip to help support other climbers in a supportive/safer manner. I'm glad I was there to help and I will continue offering help if it doesn't put me or others at risk. Please note, others who were aware of the situation either walked away or said they would not have helped (Shame on those climbers! We are, after all, a community and are devastated when someone dies climbing).
Remember, "The Best Climber Climbs Tomorrow"
