Greg Cameron Update and Fundraiser

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a brief update on Greg’s injury, suffered November 2 when he fell 70’ after having his rope sever on Chockstone in Eldo. Details in the previous post at: https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/202021633/70-ft-fall-on-chockstone-route-eldorado-canyon

Greg is still in a coma as his body continues to heal from multiple surgeries on his pelvis and femur, among other procedures. Once he awakens from the coma he will be moved to a more appropriate facility for long term recovery, and we can all help by contributing anything we can to support Greg and Elizabeth during this difficult time. More information is available in the Go Fund Me account linked below.

Thank you all for caring, and please consider learning CPR if you don’t know it already. The prompt response by those in the vicinity on the ground was vital to keeping Greg with us all and providing hope for the best possible outcome.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-greg-camerons-critical-recovery?attribution_id=sl:27bd41e7-cf9b-48be-8998-7d4fe45987ca&lang=en_US&ts=1764163361&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tc&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link 

Thank you,

 Loran Smith 

 Greg leading on the Meat Wall, Indian Creek. 

Thanks for the link, Edge.

Bump for friends that we’re thinking about on this day of giving thanks

Greg on the left, and Guy Kenny, who organized the fundraiser, on the right.

Greg is a geologist and as we were walking in to one of the walls at Indian Creek he was singing an impromptu song about “hiking up through the Chinle (formation)”.

I was trailing behind when I noticed something on the ground, and as a life-long east coast mineral collector I was excited. “Hey, I just found a piece of petrified wood!”

Greg spun immediately around and bounded down the talus to take a look as I dropped my pack to stow it away.

“Nope, that’s ‘leaverite’,” he declared.

My puzzled look demanded a follow up. I’d never heard of such a stone.

“Leave ‘er right there,” he said, and so I did.

How is Greg doing? Hope he is home for Christmas, God Bless.

claudio ricardezwrote:

How is Greg doing? Hope he is home for Christmas, God Bless.

Claudio, I wish that I could answer your question, but cannot at present. I have been honoring Elizabeth’s original request to not inundate her with inquiries during this stressful time for her and Greg’s family. Greg and Elizabeth were one of the first couples that my wife and I met in Boulder when we moved here in 2013.

I have been updated by Guy Kenny who is also a close friend of Greg & Elizabeth and is the general contractor that I work with. Guy organized the Go fund me and is in touch with Elizabeth. She knows that we all are hoping for the best possible outcome and appreciates everyone’s concern and support, but  we are all in a holding pattern at present. Greg’s recovery will be a long, difficult process. I will share news when I receive it and when it is appropriate.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to the fundraiser. For those who are unaware of Greg and his many contributions to the climbing community, a simple search of his ‘name + climbing’ will give a large number of impressive accomplishments including free solos of Lost Arrow Chimney, the Steck-Salathe, and the incredible onsight free solo of the first ascent of ‘Pipeline’ in Squamish (5.10+, 4 pitches).  Obviously Greg is an offwidth master, a true poet laureate of the wide, and that just begins to scratch the surface.

Cheers, Loran.

A couple pictures of Pipeline that I lifted from the Web.

Hi, I don't believe I have ever met Greg. My apologies if my memory is in error.  To Greg, and all those close to Greg.....I wish you the best in your recovery and beyond. 

Totally understandable Edge. We will keep him in our prayers, Thanks for the info. That second pic is epic!!

It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing this news. I have no words except to say thank you for everyone who contributed to Greg’s fundraiser, or shared their thoughts and memories, or even followed the news hoping for the best possible outcome. I know that the outpouring of love from our community meant a lot to Greg’s family, and will be a continuing source of comfort in the difficult days ahead.

Hello everyone who has help Greg and his family with your very generous donations. It has been a while since there have been any major changes in Gregs condition. He remains in PAM unit in Denver, unconscious, his eye will open periodically and there is some response to verbal cues, but he has not progressed to the extent that the Dr's had hoped at this point.

Here is the most recent text from Elizabeth.

Hi, Friends of Greg. ❤️
I wanted to let you know, as Greg's dear friends, that Greg will be transitioning to hospice for end-of-life care on 2/3. I am so grateful that his daughter Taylor supports me fully. Six of Greg's siblings have visited, and after seeing his condition, all the siblings fully support my decision.
Greg is a vibrant, athletic, smart man, so fully engaged in life, and passionate about the things and people he loves. The "life" that is possible for him now is not one that any of us would accept, and especially not Greg. It's my job to protect him and see that his wishes are honored, and that he is not made to suffer.
I will keep you posted. Thank you for your friendship, and your love for Greg all these years.”

So heartbreaking…

Edited to say that when I got this update last night I just cried so hard. And I only met Greg once! But I know from friends what a wonderful person he is. I am so very sorry his family and other loved ones are going through this. The only reason I am even saying this is that I’m sure so many people in the community are feeling this and feel sad and helpless. 

So sorry to hear. I never really met him but he walked past us that day and said hi. I'll remember him.

I am so sad to hear this. I send heartfelt condolences to Greg's family and friends who knew him better than I did. 

I'm also writing this with tears in my eyes. 

I did not know Greg but it abundantly clear he is an incredible soul and those who were lucky to cross his path were given a special gift.
My heart goes out to Elizabeth, all of Gregs kids, family and friends.

For whatever reason, I really feel this one.

Was very saddened to hear about this news, really brings things into perspective about how fragile life is. Rest in Peace Greg, see you on the other side. I pray the Cameron family be filled with many memories of joy and less pain. God Bless.

I was just thinking about this the other day and hoping for a better outcome. Reading this left me with a very heavy heart, My thoughts are with everyone who knows and cares for him, he sounds like a great guy.

I haven’t met Greg, but remember him posting on ST years ago.  He always has pit forth as such a positive, inspirational person (in addition to being a badass clImber).  This has been sad to read.  My heart goes out to Greg, his family, loved ones and those who know him. (Edited post)

I’m so sorry to read this news, and that Greg’s family has had to make these devastating decisions. I hope Greg’s family and friends can feel all the love and support from the larger climbing community, you’re all in my thoughts. May the passing be as peaceful as possible.

Such a sad ending to a tragic accident. I will miss Greg's booming voice and large personality. Best wishes to Elizabeth and Greg's family during these very difficult days.