Michael Reardon Dead

Forty two year old Michael Reardon was something of a rebel in the climbing world, Reardon never used safety equipment or ropes when he climbed, but he was still a climbing champion. Last Friday, July 13th 2007, Reardon was climbing on Valentia Island near the southwest coast of Ireland while in the midst of a photo shoot. Suddenly, a large wave came at Reardon from behind and the skilled climber fell off the edge of the rock he was standing on. Reardon was instantly swept into the ocean The Irish Coast Guard has been searching for Reardon’s body, but they are less than hopeful that Reardon’s body will ever be found.

The new trend in “soloing” (climbing without rope) has its obvious dangers, but the sport is becoming more popular as climbers seek to find the ultimate thrill. Former editor in chief of Climbing Magazine, Jonathan Thesenga, stated that “Everyone who knew Michael knew in the back of their minds that something like this might happen because of the way he climbed.” However, Thesenga was quick to point out that Reardon did not fall while climbing, he fell during a photo shoot. Reardon happened to be in the middle of a photo shoot due to many sceptics who claimed that Reardon could not climb the difficult mountains he claimed without rope. So, he decided to invite photographers along on his climbs. In an odd twist of fate, Reardon was standing on the edge of a cliff when the wave hit him. He had not even begun to climb yet. Reardon is survived by his wife Marci and his thirteen year old daughter Nicki.