Chris Hale was reported missing on Sunday June 14th, 2009; his body was found in Yosemite the next day near Mirror Lake. I only spent a few days with Chris in Hueco but that’s all it took for him to leave a positive impact on my life. Without Chris, the sends and videos of Crown of Aragorn, Full Service, and Power of Landjager wouldn’t have been possible. He was there for Ian and me as our guide and was full of positive energy to help us send our projects.
After our first tour to East Mountain with Chris we arranged for him to take us to the East Spur on Sunday, the last day of our trip. The private tour was necessary for us to be sure we could get on our projects one last time before making the twelve hour drive back to socal. We showed up outside the ranch at 9AM expecting to see Chris ready for our tour. After waiting a few minutes, we started asking around to find Chris. We were directed over to his white tent where he was still resting and recovering from the night before. Instead of trying to opt out of his duties, he just asked for a few minutes to get ready and grab a snack before we left. We didn’t really have enough room for three people and three big pads in my car but he happily squeezed into the back and held his pad out the window during our drive into the park. Chris didn’t climb that day but was happy to carry his pad around and encourage us on our projects. That day Ian sent Power of Landjager and I sent Crown of Aragorn, two of the hardest problems we have ever done. This wouldn’t have been possible without Chris and his positive attitude. We owe much of our trip’s success to him.
By the end of the season we will have a new classic first ascent at Black Mountain named in Chris’ honor. Chris will be deeply missed throughout the climbing community.
The video below shows Chris sending Ultramega V8 in Hueco Tanks which he had put some effort into before sending first try of that day.
Thanks guys for sharing this with us….Chris was indeed a very special person… he was so psyked on goin back this year to finish other projects and keep guiding around… he will be greatly missed
I know the parents and they are wonderful people. I do not know how to express the sadness that is in my heart; nor do I know how to somehow help alleviate the utter pain that Mr. and Mrs. Hale are now enduring. I did not have the privilege of knowing Christopher; but if he was anything like Mr. and Mrs. Hale then there must be another angel in heaven. God, please bless this family so that they may find strength, guidance and peace.
AL