Tommy Dutra

Just saw a heartbreaking post by Forrest Galante stating that a fellow climber, Tommy Dutra, passed away from injuries he sustained from an accident about a week ago. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. The post was rather vague about what happened, please respond any information that could lead to us all being more safe in the mountains. RIP. 

Tommy trained under me as a medical student. Out of the 100s of students I have mentored, he really stood out. His death really shook me last night when I heard about his passing last night. He was a great soul full of compassion, eagerness to learn, and passion. My condolences to his family and close friends. Climbers will always share the bond of knowing what it feels like to be bold, but the risks are real. Sad to lose yet another friend. 

I went to medical school with Tommy and used to climb with him. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news as he was an extremely experienced and talented climber. If anyone has any additional details please PM me.

Damn.

I met Tommy years back playing intramural indoor and outdoor soccer at UCSB. I didn't pick up climbing for a few years after that and never realized he climbed either until we'd each post photos on Facebook and comment about routes/etc. This is terrible news. 

Great guy. My heart goes out to all his friends and family. 

He was one of a kind !

Adam Woodwrote:

He was one of a kind !

Epic view! Where was this shot taken? 

Tommy and I climbed the Becky Chounard three years ago. This was taken on top of South Howser after an epic day. 

Would any of you be interested in finding a time for a zoom call to remember Tommy? I really miss Tommy. 

@Riley, did you just join mountain project to get on a memorial thread to share your views on accutane? I think your on the wrong platform, please see yourself out

I am Tommys dad.  I miss him every day!    I would zoom if you want to chat.  PM to Josh E for my contact info. 

The moral of this story is ALWAYS wear your helmet when climbing.  He was first up the mountain that day and may have got off the route, got over extended, slipped and fell, swinging on the rope and hitting the back of his head on the rock, broke his scull like an egg shell.  His helmet was clipped to his backpack. He was unconscious after that.  He was kept alive for 7 days but there was no chance for recovery.  Thanks to clever use of technology many friends were able to say goodbye as he laid there. He touched so many lives!  It should not have happened! 

He had a warning fall a few years before, which got posted in Rock and Ice, 

https://www.rockandice.com/videos/weekend-whippers/its-not-over-yet-epic-slab-fall/

He was brilliant, and caring for others.  He was also fearless and, on that day, careless. 

A little fear, and self care, would have been so much better!  Miss you my Son!!

Thank you for all the kind words above.

Jon,

thank you for posting. My heart is with you all. I developed a route in Tommy’s honor. We opened it yesterday.
The route will live on longer than all of us.

https://www.mountainproject.com/route/120966306/tommy-dutra-memorial-route

So sorry for your loss Jon.