Search called off for 2 Utah climbers missing in Pakistan

The Salt Lake Tribune ^ | September 3 2016 | Associated Press

[Newtoidaho]

The families of two well-known Utah climbers who went missing on an icy mountain peak in Pakistan called off the search for them Saturday.

Jonathan Thesenga, a representative for one of the climber's sponsors, said the families of Kyle Dempster and Scott Adamson made the "extremely difficult decision" based on how much time had passed and the continuously storm weather.

Search team members as well as expert observers agreed the chances of finding any sign of the two were extremely slim, said Thesenga, global sports marketing manager for Utah-based Black Diamond Equipment, which was sponsoring Dempster.

According to Thesenga, the Pakistani military conducted exhaustive sweeps over the men's likely descent route with two helicopters. The aircraft also flew over where they were last seen. Saturday was the first day that the weather was clear enough for flyovers.

[Secret Agent Man]

Sometimes the mountain conquers you.

[Secret Agent Man]

Caption: “No, really Jeff, I’m having a lot of fun!”

[trisham]

I watched 12 minutes of it. Fascinating, but I can’t imagine living like that.

[hal ogen]

What are the chances of dieing while mountain climbing if you do not climb mountains?

[hal ogen]

What are the chances of dieing while mountain climbing if you do not climb mountains?

[Chode]

play stooopid games, win stooopid prizes... feh

[Balding_Eagle]

I don’t think you even have to ask for forgiveness.

These two experienced something few people will; dying doing something they loved.

[Does so]

They could have climbed in Afghanistan. That country needs the tourism.r

[goldstategop]

Climbing an 8000er isn’t for the faint of heart or inexperienced.

There are lots of hazards and if you get injured, it means sure death since rescue is impractical.

All for the bragging rights of reaching the summit.