UKC

Sad news about Steve Karafa and John Bachar

From Michael Reardon via Supertopo.

"Around midnight (Sunday, August 13th) last night near the Nevada state line, John Bachar, Steve Karafa (President of Acopa) and John's girlfriend Anastasia were involved in a car accident on their way home from the trade show. We're still not sure exactly how the car ran off the road (no drugs or alcohol were involved), however, Anastasia suffered minor injuries, Steve died at the scene of the accident, and John was air-lifted back to a hospital in Utah.

I spoke with John this morning and his primary injuries were to his neck and spine, of which four vertebrae were fractured. So far, it appears that John will have a full recovery physically and may even be released from the hospital in the next couple of days, however, the loss of his close friend Steve is another matter entirely. The same holds true for Anastasia who comforted Steve as he passed on.

John's father is on his way to the hospital and his son is still with his mother for the summer. I have been told that Steve's father has been contacted as well. I would ask that folks politely respect John's privacy while he deals with this matter, and will keep you posted as more details come to light."

More at supertopo.com


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15 Aug, 2006
Very sad news. Can only hope Steve's family are coping okay.
19 Aug, 2006
Update from Climbing magazine: On monday, August 14, John Bachar, his girlfriend Anastasia, and Acopa president Steve Karafa were involved in a car accident returning home from the 25th annual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. Karafa died at the scene. Emergency response airlifted Bachar to a hospital where doctors diagnosed four fractured vertebrae on the renowned Southern California climber. He remains in stable condition. Kafar’s girlfriend, Anatasia, sustained minor injuries. Steve will be cremated on friday. He leaves behind a fiancé, Sara, his mother, father, and sister. Bachar unfortunately is without insurance and will be facing tremendous medical expenses. If you’d like to help John, a fund has been set up (checks or money orders, please): Mammoth Mountaineering Supply ("John Bachar Fund") PO BOX 2297 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
19 Aug, 2006
Second that. I would be willing to paypal donate to John
19 Aug, 2006
Email Dave Talsky <dave@mammothgear.com>. Dave is organising the fund. I have also emailed him
19 Aug, 2006
Thats very sad, give all concerned that our thoughts are with them.
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