I was saddened today to hear of the death of rock climbing legend, Todd Skinner who was killed on October 23, 2006. I did not know Todd personally but felt like I knew him well from reading his book, Beyond The Summit. I first received this book over a year ago as a gift from a friend, Jim Juergens. Today I consider the book to be one of my Top 10 favorites. I have probably given out over 100 copies of this book during the last year to friends.
Todd was killed descending fixed ropes on the Leaning Tower of Yosemite. It appears that he and his partner Jim Hewitt were working on a free route on the 1,200-foot monolith. Todd and Jim were rappelling the route, “Jesus Built My Hot Rod” and were about 500 hundred feet above the base when the accident occurred. Apparently, Todd went first and suddenly fell; his rappel device and locking carabiner remained on the rope. Todd lived in Lander, Wyoming and is survived by his wife Amy, son Jake, and daughters Hannah and Sarah.
I discovered he had died today when my partner was attempting to call his office and schedule Todd to speak to our Coaching Seminar. What a shock to find out he had died at only 48 years old. Then my partner said something that made sense. Wow — he died doing what he loved and was passionate about it. He lived a passionate and fulfilling life doing what he loved. What a thought —- How passionate are we about what we are doing?