Customer Reviews

Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I was last in Yosemite, April of 2007, I hiked to the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail and, after taking a quick break, decided to head for Eagle Peak. Alas it started to snow and after about 1/2 mile I turned back. A trail maintenance ranger at the bottom of the trail, who knew of my plans, asked when he saw me if I had made it. "No," I replied. "I turned around." He then mentioned that someone else, facing the same conditions that day, had not made the same choice. On the broad shoulder of Half Dome, with snow flying, this person had decided to go for the top, even in the bad conditions and even though the cables were not properly strung. He slipped and fell. I never found out if he lived, but the description offered by the ranger fits a pattern found repeatedly in this fabulous book. Young men taking foolish chances end up hurt and/or killed.

This book is a sequel to the immensely popular Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon and like the first volume it is somewhat morbid. The authors, one of whom was a Search and Rescue (SAR) ranger in Yosemite for many years, catalogue all the ways one could conceivably die in Yosemite and then devote a chapter to each. Murder, suicide, and motor vehicle deaths are all covered, but so too is a variety of deadly accidents experienced by climbers high on cliffs, hikers lost or off route from established trails, drowning victims, people falling over the edge of waterfalls, and even people who jump off cliffs hoping to parachute safely to the valley floor (BASE jumping). Although the authors admit they probably have not found every single death in the park's history (records for the early years in the 19th century are incomplete) they are reasonably convinced they have found 95% of all deaths, many of which are discussed in considerable detail within the pages of this book. Readers will also learn a lot of park history and folklore, including the story of the downed plane loaded with high grade marijuana. The Sylvester Stallone movie Cliffhanger was loosely based on this incident.

What in general do the authors conclude from all this? Mostly that young men, the predominant victims in the Park, seem to feel that they are invulnerable. They will leave the trail for a "shorter" route even if the trail they are on is the highly dangerous ledge trail (closed years ago, but still popular with some thrill seekers). This same population ignores signs about rushing currents above waterfalls, or climbs too far, too fast, without taking sufficient safety precautions. They might even unhook from their lines while on precarious ledges. Of course, there are a few daring (foolish?) women who join their ranks. Jan M. Davis, a Hollywood stunt specialist, died on a BASE jump. Ironically, she was protesting the park's policy banning such jumps. But for every story like hers, there are dozens of young men who make similar mistakes. Indeed, the main thing I got from this book was a sense of relief that I am now middle aged.

In all, this is an excellent, fascinating read. It is well worth the price and if you want to experience parklands anywhere; the advice these authors give may save your life. Be forewarned, however, that this book is very graphic. Full of gory detail, it is definitely not for the squeamish.

I returned from my first trip to Yosemite five days ago. I bought this book during the last two days I was there and began reading it. Oddly enough I bought it the day after I had managed to scale down the infamous, "Four Mile Trail" that begins at Glacier summit and basically ends at the foot of Sentinel rock.

As I scaled down that well-worn-and-established trail, I started to become wrapped in the sense that the valley-floor was not emerging fast enough, and merely wondered whether or not a more "direct route" was attainable. Fortunately for me, this was only a passing thought.

I also noticed that the switchbacks, thought mostly broad and even, did contain waiting peril for those not circumspect. It occurred to me also, that my initial impulse to try and beat the bus carrying my family back down the mountain was fraught with the fatal potential to cause me to run right off a sheer cliff.

The next day I'm reading accounts of people who'd managed to make both decisions on that very trail. Talk about one's blood running cold in the stream of familiarity. . .

Very well written. I won't go so far as to say the details are endlessly morbid, but they are offered occasionally to underscore the power of mistakes that are--when removed from an unparalleled place like Yosemite--merely capers laced with the occasional bone-break or contusion.

I do not undersell the fact that anyone considering climbing Half-Dome--especially those who want to use the "cable route," should first read this. The same goes for any erstwhile hiker and rock climber that assumes their cat-like reflexes are insurmountable. They might be the very things that kill you.

Dr. Ghiglieri nails his subject - complex personalities, surrounded by natural beauty, dealing with danger and threat. Dr.Ghiglieri brings a wealth of experience as a naturalist, historian and river guide to weave a spellbinding tale. Dr. Ghiglieri was a lead guide on a OARS trip I took in the early 90's from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch. We vived to be in his boat - to learn history, geology, river skills, and people skills. Deep in the wilderness, the experts such as Ghiglieri learn only only to read rivers and nature, but also to read people. The naturalists observe individuals and couples thrust into a new enviromnent stripped of accoutraments, family/friend networks, and electronic diversions. After his viewing many couples for many summers, I took to heart Dr. Ghiglieri's observation that a relationship tested and happy after 11 days of wilderness, camping, rowing on the Colorado was sturdy for the long run.

Off the Wall: Death In Yosemite and well as the companion Grand Canyon book superbly combine the oh so human qualities with sublimb natural situations. Dr. Ghiglieri's books are gripping and memorable. I was at Yosemite yesterday strolling through the valley cemetary for Effie Crippen - age 14 - dead in the 1880's after wading in lovely Mirror Lake and stepping on a glass bottle. I was alone and wanted to hike - but didn't. Caution. The story of Ms. Crippen humanized the grand monoliths of stone, enriched my understanding of the valley. I highly recommend Dr. Ghiglieri's books Death In Yosemite, Death In the Grand Canyon, and Canyon for "bringing to life" and telling the stories of our national parks. Laurie Kassir, San Andreas, CA. and Houston, TX

Other reviews competently summarize the book, so I will not do so myself.

I found the book to be addicting. I am not an avid reader. I just don't have time. (Or make time.) On our yearly trips to Yosemite last year, I saw this at the Information Center, started reading a story here and there and left regretting not buying it. This year I purchased it and could not put it down. I even reread the stories I read last year because it is so fascinating!

Ghilieri and Farabee do such a great job of walking the fine line of writing this book for the purpose of educating and not sensationalizing the material, which would be quite easy to do. As a previous comment noted, there aren't a lot of "gory" explicit details, but enough to get a sense of the enormity of the incidents.

At the beginning of each chapter there usually is a story about an incident with a "happy" ending concerning the theme of the chapter. ("Happy" in that the people involved actually survived, perhaps with severe injuries.) Without self-control, it is almost impossible to put the book down in that when one story is concluded, another pulls you in.

I disagree with the two low-scoring comments posted about clichés and wordy narrative. I didn't experience many clichés nor did I notice many repeated phrases. If there were, I ask how would you expect someone to write about hundreds of deaths--all a result of stupidity--in one book without repeating oneself? I disagree completely with the complaint about the excessive narrative as Farabee's insight as a Search and Rescue personnel adds tremendously from not only his analysis but occasionally even his first-hand account.

As a parent and a teacher, I believe this book should be required reading (especially that of males) to learn the book's valuable lesson, not only as it applies to Yosemite or any natural wonder, but to life in general.

This book was written by a retired National Park Ranger who well documented all the known
fatalities that have occurred over the last 150 years within the Yosemite Park boundaries.

The text is divided into chapter categories such as:
Waterfalls
Base Jumping
Snow
Aircraft Down
Falls While Hiking
Drowning
Lost
Murder
Homicide.

Each chapter gives what amounts to a study on select events within the category and then provides
a full summary of the fatalities within that category at the end of the chapter which includes
incidents that were not fully described in the case study.

The style of writing is not dry at all and
includes hints of sarcasm or humor where appropriate. For example, one woman was killed while illegally
BASE jumping (parachuting) off of a cliff. The event was advertised and the Park Service knew of it in
advance because the event was a "protest" to demonstrate the "safety" of BASE jumping. The author points
out the irony that the woman DIED as she attempted to protest the "unnecessary" prohibition against a
sport she felt was "safe." The text even provides eye witness recollections of the final words people
uttered as they slipped to their deaths (you can guess a few of those words).

Details of the deaths can sometimes be grusome, but there is only one photo in the entire book and that is on
the front cover. (A man who starved to death in the 1930's after being trapped by an early winter storm).

The book is actually an excellent source of wilderness education. If you are the type of person who learns from
the mistakes of others, you will benefit by reading the book. Or, if you are simply unaware that people actually
get LOST in Yosemite Park and are never heard from again, it is an eye opener. And for those among us who think
that a National PARK is safe to behave without concern of one's behavior, the book will explain that the
term PARK is nothing more than a bureaucratic title for what can be a dangerous wild area.

I had one friend reject the concept of reading the book as "not being a positive activity." Its people like
him who falsely think that going through life is a matter of "being positive" rather than being well informed.
Its people like him who get lost and then can't extract themselves from danger despite being a "positive thinker."

I recommend the book for adult or young adult reading and give it a 5 Star rating.

As a frequent visitor to Yosemite NP, I found this book very disturbing. I had to put it aside after reading several accounts of people who went over the falls and died. This book gives some graphic descriptions of the deaths, and is not for the person with a weak stomach.

I had to conclude that most of the deaths mentioned were mostly due to human stupidity and carelessness. I was indeed shocked. As the authors note: "The take-home lesson here, one obvious in the first dozen chapters of this book, is that the people who die traumatically in Yosemite die mainly--almost universally--due to their own poor judgment."

I read in our local newspaper of deaths in Yosemite every year. The authors of this book did a good job, however, of explaining the events leading up to the death(s). It was very eye-opening.

I agree with the authors' conclusions. I think it is best summed up in these words: "So where does that leave us? Morality and practicality both dictate that when it comes to the question of man versus these protected natural areas, the onus devolves on people to take on the personal responsibility to prepare for the challenges this terrain poses. If a prospective visitor to Yosemite is unwilling to show these scenic wild areas and his fellow humans this respect, he instead should rent the video and stay home....Although a few visitors may want to see the park completely 'danger-proofed,' most of us know it is instead our job to safeguard ourselves by respecting its hazards....It is up to the personal and individual responsibility of each of us to avoid killing ourselves. We hope this book fully forewarns each of us of the dangers Yosemite poses."

This was an extremely interesting book, after having read "Death in Yellowstone." A bit gruesome at times, what stands out to me about these books is the conclusion that people venture into the outdoors and fail to realize how easy it is to lose control of the situation. I took a trip to Glacier National Park while reading this book and was more aware of the dangers , but still enjoyed myself while reminding myself to be careful. Great book!

I doubt I can add that much to the excellent reviews of this book except to note that I am a (middle aged) hiker, backpacker and photographer. The number of stories that begin with "in order to get a better picture" and end in tragedy was an eye opener for me. This book should be required reading for all high school students who unfortunately will probably not see themselves as the late teen or young twenty-something males who frequently meet with sad fates due to bravado, lack of preparation, or severe overestimation of their athletic skill.

Despite the morbid nature of the book and the ease with which it could have been "gorified" the authors skillfully navigate the tension between education and a morose titillation that fans of "slasher films" might enjoy. Indeed, slasher film fans will be disappointed. There are no long prosaic passages describing the final condition of the hapless victims. Indeed, one passage describing a "better picture opportunity" and the resultant plunge from the top of Upper Yosemite Fall very briefly notes that the "victim, due to the speed of the fall and contact with the rock ledge was decapitated." That was enough - I didn't need or want to know more and the authors seemed to know that.

I also better understood the sharp thinking, skill and athleticism required of the rescuer as well as the intense emotional impact that rescuers face when they encounter mundane and horrific trauma. I wept while reading the account of efforts to save a young boy after he was gored by a startled deer. It was also interesting to note that the only "death by animal" recorded in the pages of the book was this one incident. No fatal bear, coyote, or mountain lion maulings were recorded.

I could not put help but read and read until the book concluded. I learned - or rather was somberly reminded - that no picture is worth risking death and that sober preparation and situation assessment are vital skills. Yosemite is a beautiful place, a wild place, a breathtaking place - and if approached incorrectly a deadly place. This book has helped me to appreciate all of these attributes of this wonderful place all the more!

I had a hard time putting the book down. Even though it is mostly about death, it is an important read so that we can all learn from the mistakes from others. There is also a lot of history about Yosemite that I very much appreciated.

I haven't finished this book yet but I'm loving it so far. I read his other book "Over the edge, Death in the Grand Canyon" and enjoyed it so much I bought this one.