John Bachar Dead At Age 52

John Bachar Dead At Age 52

Legendary climber John Bachar died yesterday in an apparent free soloing accident at the Dike Wall near his home in Mammoth Lakes, CA.  Survived by a son, Tyrus, Bachar was 51 52 (my apologies) years old.

Best known for his boldness and staunch traditional ethic, Bachar is a figure in the climbing community who will surely be missed.

John Bachar – In memory of a great man 1957 – 2009

My thoughts are with his family and friends…

Update: In light of what happend, I think this interview John Bachar did earlier this year with Climb Talk Radio in Boulder, CO is all the more interesting to listen to.  Check it out if you want to hear more about how Bachar got into soloing.

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16 Responses to John Bachar Dead At Age 52

  1. steve schultz July 6, 2009 at 9:02 am #

    Wow. I am so sad right now.

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  2. Philly Cheese July 6, 2009 at 9:21 am #

    A legend is gone…

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  3. Paul Campbell July 6, 2009 at 9:25 am #

    Very sad news. 🙁

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  4. Rick July 6, 2009 at 10:40 am #

    It is a very sad day. A climbing legend has been lost. Do him some respect and turn the photo of him right side up!

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    • Narc July 6, 2009 at 10:43 am #

      If you’re referring to the image on this page it is right side up. It’s from the cover of an old Climbing magazine.

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      • Rick July 6, 2009 at 10:55 am #

        Sorry man, in my shock I didn’t look carefully enough. It was a little small.

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  5. John Knoernschild July 6, 2009 at 11:29 am #

    Terrible news. We have lost some great climbers in recent months.

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  6. Cady July 6, 2009 at 12:01 pm #

    Hearing this really bummed me out 🙁 You shall be missed Mr. Bachar!

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  7. dmlipinski July 6, 2009 at 1:01 pm #

    Very sad. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the game if you’re soloing. The most prominent soloists (Derek Hersey, Dan Osman, Michael Reardon and now John Bachar) have all died pursuing their passion, although for Osman it was an accident while rope jumping. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.

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  8. rockgrrl July 6, 2009 at 1:18 pm #

    He was a legend.

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  9. Brian Solano July 6, 2009 at 2:21 pm #

    Reardon was not soloing either. RIP Bacher! Your legend will never be forgoten.

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  10. Wolfgang Leeb July 7, 2009 at 2:32 pm #

    yo brother, this is the last message from your buddy Wolf from Austria. We had a short but deep friendship. I meet you snowboarding in Mammoth and I`ll never forget our music sessions in your house. Tyrus always won chess games against me and I`ve never met a living legend who was a nicer guy than you.
    Fly high and have a nice final trip.
    funky drummer, Wolf

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    • steve edwards July 9, 2009 at 11:32 am #

      Wolfgang,

      Drop me a line at mannyvarjak@hotmail. Hope you are well. Best to everyone in Austria.

      Steve

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  11. steve edwards July 9, 2009 at 11:28 am #

    There’s a great tribute thread on Super Topo. My thoughts are posted here:

    http://steve-edwards.blogspot.com/2009/07/johnny-rock.html

    John will be missed.

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  12. Sam Smith July 9, 2009 at 8:57 pm #

    I met and worked with John once. I was the principal actor in a candy bar commercial shooting in Yosemite. The year was 1987. John was hired to advise. We would boulder every day on the set during breaks.

    I was amazed at his determination and compassion for his sport. This was in 1987. He would do 10 one arm pull-ups! I could only watch in amazement.

    My prayer’s are with him and his family.
    God Bless.
    RIP

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