Rick Kent accident 10/16/10

[AlanK]

From Rick Kent's Facebook page

Had a great time in Englestead Canyon on Friday. Saturday not so good. At the 1st rap into Gunsight Canyon a huge boulder next to the rappel station decided to roll loose and I was in the way. The good news is that I managed not to fall 200 feet down the exposed face. Bad news is my lower left leg was crushed resulting in numerous fractures. Since we hadn't yet completed the 1st rap Darija was able to go for help as I sat in a precarious position. NPS SAR decided to bring in a chopper and used a short haul lift to pull me and my rescuer off the face. At the hospital in St George it took a plate and 9 screws to reattach all the fractured pieces. The foot surgery went about as well as could be expected though one or two things couldn't be salvaged. The drive home from St George yesterday was miserable. Pain seems to be coming under control today finally. I'll be on crutches for a couple months. I'm not sure how long it will take before I can get back to hiking. Right now I'm really just thankful that the rock didn't kill me. I easily could have fallen 200 feet to my death. Guess that's about all for now. I need to get back to some rest.

[halhiker]

I don't know Rick but I wish him the best in his recovery.

[Andy]

I've never met Rick before either (that I know of) but have heard many a tale from his adventures. I can't imagine what he's been through and am just happy to hear he's alive. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Cy Kaicener]

I am sorry to hear of Rick's accident. I have been following his adventures through his website -- http://rickkent.net

[Ellen]

Howdy Alan

Thank you so much for posting this, awful news I met Rick briefly when he zoomed by me on the double Skyline last fall -- nice guy. I've sent him a get well message via his Facebook page.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

That's horrible. He's as tough as they come and he's able to put a brave face on it, but you can imagine how much that hurt (s)! I hope he heals as fast as Ellen!

I was just thinking about him today, too, with Tina's post about the Back to Back, thinking Rick would be a great guy to invite to do multiples again. He makes things like that look easy.

Rick, if you see these posts, we're all rootin' for you. Hope to see you back out right away, and glad the rock didn't do more than it did.

z

[Perry]

Sounds like he did some really quick maneuvering to avoid getting killed. I bet he'll be back on the trails next year.

[Cy Kaicener]

Rick just updated his website with the Gunsight Canyon incident
http://rickkent.net
http://rickkent.net/ViewerPlus/viewer.aspx?FolderID=927

[tinaballina]

horrible accident and we wish him well. he will come back even stronger i am sure.

[Hikin_Jim]

Ouch, freakin' ouch. Really sorry to hear this.

Rick, I know you read these message boards from time to time. Praying for you bro.

By the way, I shattered (spiral fx) my right femur in a ski accident in 2001. I'm still out on the trails. Brad (who posts on the SGW board) got hit by a car a few months ago and really messed up his hip (required surgery). He just did his first hike in the past week or so. It seriously sucks, but it does get better. Hang in there, bro.

HJ