These Students are Being Led into a DEATH TRAP

[@Imnotaratiswear]

Sometimes it's good to be a "quitter". Trust your gut, listen to your body and quit if you need to. Always check the weather. The amount of stories like this I've heard where if someone had checked the weather the tragedy would have been prevented is absurd.

[@xen0bia]

It's better to quit and try again than not quit and die...

[@amityislandchum]

Absolutely! This is true for all types of hiking, swimming, or other outdoor activities, but ESPECIALLY climbing a mountain. Remember, if you're exhausted where you stand and you haven't even reached the top, you're going to become more and more exhausted faster and faster as the elevation grows, because there is less oxygen. Even just flying from a normal city at sea level to one at a high elevation (like Denver or Salt Lake City) leaves people struggling with exhaustion and hypoxia as they simply walk around with no added exertion. It cannot be overstated how much your body needs to be conditioned for high altitudes!

[@nondisclosure3920]

Weren't they trying to beat the storm though. Seems daft that they were relying on the storm to be on a reliable schedule.

[@ZzzMMZzz]

This is a really sad story. I'm only used to hearing True Crime from this channel but this seems like a truly devastating accident and miscalculation on the leader's part. 😢

[@Beefbus]

Dr. Brinton Clark (one of the surviving girls) would grow up to be my Doctor here in Portland. Her, and my heart Doctor got me up and running after my heart failure and stroke. She is an amazing woman! I'm glad she made it. I never had the balls to talk to her about it.

[@SpecialBlanket]

You shouldn't, I'm sure she has PTSD.

[@SpecialBlanket]

My ex's dog, believe it or not, was actually in a situation like this where he was packed over dead bodies of other dogs etc, and even the dog has lifelong ptsd and behavioral problems from it.

[@Beefbus]

@@SpecialBlanket Don't plan to.

[@sabrinasepe3318]

Mom and daughter left.... always believe your intuitions

[@paulbowman1762]

That's great to hear and I hope you are getting and feeling better after your illness ! Take care ! London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@laurahoward5426]

The two who turned back were not just lucky, but smart...never let anyone shame you into a deadly situation

[@westindian10]

💯

[@dianaprince3176]

Well said.

[@SofaKingShit]

I'd have been like a herb. Oregan? No! Organ-no! Oregano.

[@STARDUST-z1v]

I had to rewind it back to every time Tom tried to shame people who decided that they had enough or just didn't want to go. Especially when a storm is coming. I just didn't believe my ears.

[@junglekutz5625]

Truth be told, it's not about being smart, but actually following and listening to your instincts. Someone else's instincts aren't meant to be your guide (of course in certain situations).....But for the most part, (regardless of your age) your instincts do not play.

[@Eunegin23]

My dad was a mountaineer in the German army, we went hiking and climbing whenever there was time when I was a kid. What I learned right in the beginning: it's not a shame to turn around. Especially when the weather (which can change rapidly) isn't good. This summer I planned a climbing tour, the weather wasn't what it should have been and I did some friendly hiking and swimming in a lake instead. The worst is group pressure. Use your brain, your gut feeling and what your body is telling you.

[@jeaniehorton5964]

Exactly!!👍

[@clairefisher3132]

As someone who grew up forced to participate in outward bound activities, the pressure is real. You’re in a group and told that if one person fails, everyone fails. That was back in the late 80s but I wonder if the same attitude was at play here.

[@rachaelleann9847]

i dont blame you our lives god give us isnt worth risking , especially when u can do it another time , even if ya cant aint worth it

[@Eunegin23]

Indeed. I am well aware of group pressure. I guess we all had our share of that in the one or the other way. @@clairefisher3132

[@judithgannon5642]

I was wondering. Could someone have used a compass to keep them in the direction of the trail? It's said they went sideways across the mountain instead. And also, could they have dug more than one cave? And then have room to bring the shovel in. To dig put later.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

My dad was an accomplished mountaineer. He had this saying, “Sometimes the mountain lets you in, and sometimes it doesn’t “. No unnecessary risks

[@kyleboswell1381]

How does one get in?

[@kristinwood8884]

Reminds me of my philosophy about the ocean, as someone who was born and raised 2 miles from the ocean, you are in her home, respect it always.

[@kyleboswell1381]

@@kristinwood8884 Your philosophy is most peoples' common sense. To me there is nothing scarier than the ocean.

[@kristinwood8884]

@@kyleboswell1381 I don't, fire terrifies me.

[@luckyspurs]

It's like the guy was only remembering how easy it was other times and assuming it was easy this time and that everyone else was just looking for ways out. The whole life experience aspect was already accomplished, long before reaching the top. Just madness.

[@R.M.C-u2u]

A dark part of my family history is that my Uncle & Cousin actually died on Mt. Hood while climbing in the early 1970's. (I cannot believe I'm writing about this, but here we go) My Uncle was a ranger for the forest service on Mt. Hood and one of his favorite things to do was to take the family climbing. He was tethered to my aunt, my younger cousin & my older cousin (all on the same rope) when my older cousin slipped and fell into a crevasse & hit his head. My Uncle tried to climb down to save him & fell I don't know all the details but from what I heard my cousin passed away during the initial fall, then my Uncle was fatally injured trying to save him (though he passed away I think the next day). They were both STILL attached to my Aunt & my other cousin. Of course this being 1971 there were no phones or ways to call for help. I still don't know how they survived and got help, as no one on the family will talk about it. (I think there are national news articles on it & on a Wikipedia page if you want to look it up.)

[@fkUTube449]

NY Times has a article on it, neat. Incident happened August 7, 1971. Involves a Ranger named Harry B. Carson, his wife Joanne and their two sons, Clinton and Harry Jr. Sadly Harry and Clinton would not make it. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@daCubanaqt]

So sorry for your loss. Mt. Hood is no joke. Like Mike said, it isn’t the toughest, but mountaineering always has an element of danger.

[@Jessica.Rachel]

So sad, breaks my heart to think of the kids who trusted the judgment of the adults only to die in a horrific way.

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

Sadly true

[@jenjopdx]

I was 16 and a student at Beaverton High School, just down the road from OES when this happened. I will never forget that day, We knew by early afternoon on Tuesday that something had gone terribly wrong. Some of our students had family and friends involved and our entire community took a big hit to the heart. You honored them with this story, Mike. Thank you for the time and care you put in to these cases.

[@JSickaRabid]

I had graduated BHS in spring of ‘85, and I agree with everything you said about how this tragedy affected us so deeply. It was a horrible reminder that, just as we were at ages where we believed we were invincible and a long life awaited us, the possibility still existed that this just may not be. This story is a fitting tribute to the students and to the community. Btw, my brother is your age and was enrolled at BHS when you were. Our families might know one another 😊

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

How old are you rigth now? 50 years old?

[@JSickaRabid]

@@safuwanfauzi5014 Why do you ask?

[@jenjopdx]

​@@safuwanfauzi5014 52 and happy to be it.

[@jenjopdx]

@JSickaRabid 86 & 88 were tough years at BHS between the OES tragedy and having 3 students die within a few weeks in 88. It's possible I knew your brother, what's your last name?

[@RD12732]

The school should not have made this trip mandatory since they knew about Mount Hood's challenges. Thomas should not have been the leader of the expedition - he was known for being reckless when it came to getting to the summit. This tragedy did not have to occur. I feel so much sorrow for the lives lost and for their loved-ones. Thank you, Mike, for your exceptional delivery! I watch all your cases, and marvel at your masterful delivery.

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

Perhaps summiting a high mountain may be too dangerous to have as a mandatory excursion, but I do think mandatory excursions are great for kids. Many that go on them that are reluctant to do so often end up loving it and opening their eyes to a whole different world. If it was voluntary only the already converted would participate.

[@-LivingProof]

How can something like this be mandatory? There is no way my child would ever be told that it was mandatory to do something she's scared of doing. It wouldn't necessarily be the already converted who would participate. It would be all those who are interested in doing such. Why force anything onto any child? Weird.

[@vladtheimpala5532]

It sounds like you have some further knowledge about this than what was shared in this video. I didn’t know anything about it before and I was thinking all along that this teacher had no business leading this expedition. (Of course I knew something was going to go wrong or it wouldn’t have been featured on this channel but still, he was obviously being irresponsible.) I agree that it shouldn’t be a required activity (and I guess it isn’t anymore). Mt. Hood is not K2. It’s not even Mt. Rainier but it is dangerous and dangerous activities should not be required of high school sophomores.

[@jadeblues357]

I knew something of the story, but I didn’t realize how ill prepared they were given that they had two experienced people you would’ve thought they would’ve been more prepared? In case the worst happened. By this I mean equipment radios I don’t know know how to build an igloo in case you run into. A catastrophic storm?😢 What I did learn is that I didn’t know this expedition was mandatory!

[@Steampunkkids]

@@It-is-me...Melsie The problem is that in America, all outdoors adventures are dangerous. Here in California, we lost a class (or maybe a group of boy scouts, I don’t remember) to mudslides. The school district my kids went to made a mandatory walk to school day. The problem is that the school was on the other side of the area where Mountain Lions live. My children were bite sized for Mountain Lions back then. I told them no way was I doing that, and it was irresponsible to make that mandatory. I get where you are coming from. And, for a small select group of children the experience could be magical. But, it just isn’t worth it.

[@veroniqueaudet4152]

I cannot believe how insane it was to decide to go on that mountain trip and try to outrun a snowstorm hoping you’d be in and out before it arrives. Anyone who knows about snowstorm knows how unexpected they can be and mountain snowstorms are the worst. As a teacher, I can feel how bad the teacher guy must have felt at one point when he realized the death trap they were in. He and the Dean made a terrible and unforgivable mistake.

[@samanthalandry2296]

I live in Canada on the east coast. We all know you don’t mess around with snow storms. Stupid as hell

[@silasmarner7586]

It was exquisitely poor judgement compounded by the fact that his students were led around by him like the Pied Piper. A friend of mine had him in Math at OES.

[@quickchris10]

Yeah, nowadays, a program like Outward Bound could not mandate something like that. Have it for extra credit or something! Just ask the kids to camp or something at their level!

[@rachaelleann9847]

i know right like wow i wouldnt even think about it til i knew no storms was coming even if they was all experienced just not smart or worth it

[@johnmichaels4330]

​​@@lrockbrthat never works out. Santa though..... Santa saves.

[@LeeirahBrashka]

As a parent; I’d be so mad at hearing that the kids were constantly pushed to the summit when it became obvious it was a bad idea. These kids trusted the adults involved, and unfortunately it lead to a sad situation for the families involved. I don’t blame them for being mad at this program but I do believe it’s essential to know how to survive. Just not in weather conditions that puts kids in danger.

[@Snarl_Marx]

The key to survival in the elements/wilds is to hedge your bets and know when to tap out. The house *always* wins. All too often experienced/expert hikers suffer similar fates as novices because of their own overestimation of their abilities. Nature doesn't care, she's an unstoppable force. Never tempt fate with her.

[@beaulieuc8910]

As a non parent I would a-ree

[@julie2x]

The one who returned did so bc she had her mother with her. Those other kids didn’t have advocates for them and listened to the teacher. What a shame. The headmistress should have taken action and made the decision to go back.

[@DiZoSoMom]

My kids were in Scouts for a bit and the first thing their instructors taught the kids (and adults, for that matter) is that “we go in as a pack and come out as a pack. If one turns back, we ALL turn back”. It should’ve been a major red flag in the very beginning when they let two novice climbers turn back alone. That was one of the first of MANY mistakes. So many mistakes. These kids should not have died. Such a heartbreaking story. Mike- you told it soo well. Thank you for doing it justice, with respect, but still with your fun personal touch. Well done.

[@willimacdo]

This can create problems. People may NOT say they want to turn back because it would affect everyone. A wise leader would make the difference .

[@buggyboogle9]

As many experienced mountaineers will say, “Climbing a mountain is not just about summiting. It’s about getting safely back again.’ Sometimes the most difficult decision to make is the one to turn back, it’s also the one that often ends up saving your life.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Almost everyone who died on Everest died on the decent back down....

[@jeaniehorton5964]

Well stated!!

[@Adiscretefirm]

Summitting is optional, returning is mandatory

[@5amH45lam]

Not only do you peak topographically at the summit, but also physically and emotionally. Coming down... tiredness sets in, concentration wains, muscles spasm, as lactose builds. You're coming down literally _and_ figuratively. The natural boost of adrenaline approaching the apex, the excitement of summiting, is a mere a memory. Plus, you have a far greater chance of falling much, much further facing downhill, than facing up. The descent'll surely get ya, if you ain't prepared for it.

[@johnmike121]

that the guilty feeling guy couldn't even bring himself to feel comfortable inside the cave shows the ethical nightmare they knowingly created

[@Bettinasisrg]

The saddest part of this is how many went on just to spare Tom's feelings! Never put someone in charge who cannot stop!

[@benneilsen15]

Never trust Christians

[@mariella2884]

Absolutely, they were young teens I could easily see them staying in this situation despite internal fears.

[@courtneyacoleman]

It seems he may have had a death wish or he was sociopathic, meaning he lacked empathy and indulged in high risk behaviors without fear of consequence.

[@bushiido8494]

Let's be honest, Tom's in the big H for this blunder. I don't really believe in heaven and hell but there's no way he's getting past those pearly gates.

[@blasvasco]

nah, too extreme to call him a sociopath, it's more a case of arrogance/Pygmalion stupidity imo rip regardless @@courtneyacoleman

[@buzzknudson5707]

this is surreal- my wife’s aunt Erin froze to death outside the snow cave. she had just turned 16. the toll it has taken on my wife’s family is unimaginable. by the time I joined the family, Erin had already been gone for almost 30 years, but the burden of her absence still clearly plays such a tangible role in everyone’s relationships. Erin was witty and bright and held an entire life ahead of her. I think of her often.

[@missmissy_90]

I don't think any families ever end up whole again after losing a child. Parents and siblings. Horrific. Sorry for your pain but imagine you're quite a strength to your wife and family. ❤

[@cmygamelife]

If you or your wife want to share more stories about her I'd love to hear them. I'm sorry your family had to go through this

[@missmissy_90]

@@cmygamelife Me too

[@doxasophosmoros]

Why would you think of her often when you've never met her. My fiance died violently last year at age 30. I lived with him and was very close to him and his family.... you can't imagine people telling me to get over it but guess what he already do and that was a year ago.someone j used to love. You never even met this 16 year old though, but it's obviously damaged the family and you're constantly reminded of it. That's not healthy. You've nev we even met her.... so it's coming from somewhere, they need to stop projecting.her family sound deranged. They need to outlet it destroy their adult children's lives, youguys are middle aged and your lives revolve around an accident from 30 years ago.... that mentally messed up.

[@buzzknudson5707]

@@doxasophosmoros I can’t imagine facing that kind of loss. my condolences to you, your family, your fiancé’s bereaved family. and you’re right, I’ve never met her, but it’s definitely in my nature to think about these things. Losing Erin formed deeply-rooted, unhealthy patterns shaped by grief that have trickled down the generations. I’m staying a little vague, but my point is that regardless of whether or not I have met her, she has a space in my mind. to me, it’s not a bad thing. when I’m with my mother-in-law, I like to ask for photos and stories from childhood with her sisters. thinking of her regularly feels like doing her some justice by keeping her memory alive.

[@brakkybru]

As a teacher, I can't imagine putting students in this situation; it's unconscionable. What a horrific ending for the victims and their families. I can't imagine the guilt that teacher must have felt, and the trauma the survivors went through. This is so sad.

[@gr8fuldeb699]

He allowed a 15 yr old child yrs child to make this journey. For that he should be fired fined and jailed. How irresponsible can a teacher be. Wow

[@EssenceofCoils]

And as a parent, I would NEVER allow mine to go. Insanity!!

[@Babesinthewood97]

I think the teacher was a bit of a religious fanatic. He probably thought of it as a spiritual quest and failure means you don’t have faith in God. That’s just my guess.

[@lucyterrier7905]

​@@gr8fuldeb699The 15 year old child had no parents ? It ultimately is up to the parents that give permission to climb.

[@lucyterrier7905]

​@@Babesinthewood97That's an incredibly agregious guess. Based on what? His photograph? Normally, a hypothesis has reasonable facts that supports the intelligent guess.

[@Onlyasking-b3s]

I am so glad at least the first ones went back. Never ever let anyone convince you to do something you do not feel right about. Do not give in to the pressure. God bless everyone involved

[@eucliduschaumeau8813]

This reminds me of the Dyatlov Pass incident. It's not monsters or UFOs or military tests that kill mountaineers, it's a cavalier attitude toward the extreme dangers of 60-100 MPH blizzards, thin air, fatigue and unpreparedness for the arctic cold that are the culprits in these unfortunate stories. The only thing missing with Dyatlov Pass, is a survivor to tell everyone who wants to know what happened that "It was the weather."

[@fourfurrypotatoes]

The negligence of that teacher is just so infuriating.

[@maarek71]

Negligence? This was multiple homicides. Call a spade a spade.

[@blasvasco]

homicides? that's a stretch @@maarek71

[@WobblesandBean]

​@@maarek71 I'm with you. I have nothing but contempt for Tom.

[@luckyspurs]

Especially when the whole point of the climb, life experience, would have been gained just as much if not more so, by turning back having got so far. The kids had already experienced the climb. They'd gone through more than most people who reached the top anyway.

[@YeahShaw]

They would have learnt a more valuable lesson of judging situations & when to turn back & lived to tell the tale. Any lesson Tom was trying to teach by pushing on was lost on their deaths. 😢

[@Parnersful]

I've listened to all your stories but for some reason this one really got to me. The absolute horror of the snow cave is scarier to me than anything you've covered in the past. Really well done as always

[@LovenEverythingNails]

I agree - I am almost in tears. I'd be absolutely petrified- at a certain point you would know death or certain catastrophic injuries would be the outcome. I also have a child and to think this was MANDATORY is wild to me.

[@Parnersful]

@@LovenEverythingNails I was feeding my toddler listening on headphones 😔

[@rodriguezthiago318]

The production is pretty good. He's an actor, I'm assuming

[@bwj4893]

Mike is a pro! I've never been disappointed with any of his presentations, and I believe I've seen them all.

[@johnmike121]

it's an ethical nightmare putting anyone especially kids into this situation claiming it a therapeutic modality

[@clairepruden4974]

One of the saddest stories you’ve told Mike, so much of it was caused by idiotic decisions from an adult. Thank you for this content though, I had never heard of this story but now I will be one of those who remember those who didn’t survive. I wonder if the professional guide has ever overcome the emotions it must have caused him. He tried to make all the right decisions and yet it still ended in disaster 😢

[@dianaprince3176]

He allowed himself to be challenged and overruled 2x by an amateur who was a pastor. He was the pro, so he bears a chunk of the blame here

[@girlwhomustnotbenamed4139]

Yeah, the amount of ego, hubris and arrogance is truly mind-boggling. The pastor was a true narcissist who thought he was above the laws of nature. So tragic and infuriating but not the least bit surprising. I would bet a lot of money he also regularly preached about humility. This kind of mentality that somehow the more suffering the better is so incredibly primitive and toxic but subjecting kids to it is a special kind of evil.

[@kerianacorrell2131]

I can't even imagine the mental damage done to those survivors having to lay on the dead bodies of their friends. That alone is horrifying. Much love to everyone involved and thanks, Mike, for another great upload!❤❤❤❤

[@loveforeignaccents]

Now that's something that I didn't think of. Good point... and how awful for them, too.

[@paulwoodford1984]

oh their fine. not everyone is so sensitive and thin skinned. something like that make person tougher

[@Emma88178]

@@paulwoodford1984 how do you know for sure they're doing just fine? Are you one of them? Or do you personally know them?

[@OneEyedmm]

Very awkward for those of us who did ski racing locally, cause there was this whole tragedy unfolding on the slopes during practice that we had to kinda ski around and just hope we didn’t accidentally hit a body or some crap. But one thing I learned through countless losses of my own: life continues around you.

[@lilithowl]

​@@paulwoodford1984hahahaha! 'Sensitive and thin skinned' to be affected by lying on top of your dead friends?! Nice try, champ. I'm embarrassed for you, trying to look edgy.

[@kristysnyder8772]

I remember when this happened. I was in 4th grade and our class sent letters to the survivors... I remember it really hit us hard because these kids were just a few years older than we were .. may we all never forget!...

[@michelleb7399]

I was in high school in East Multnomah County, near Mount Hood at this time, same age as these kids. I will never forget this. I love winter sports, especially downhill skiing. But I’ve never had a strong desire to climb the mountain. At least not since this tragedy.

[@HelenHollingsworth-hg5vv]

I love that you tell more than just serial killer stories. I really enjoy hearing this type as well as some of the things you cover on the podcast. You’re an excellent storyteller. Also, in reference to a fairly recent podcast episode (can’t remember which), don’t change anything about your accent/idioms/etc for the random listener who doesn’t get it. I love it and don’t want you to stop saying “OR” for “R” 😊

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

I love the way he says, "Go!" Gewoooo!

[@jellosapiens7261]

"Or" for "r" is an Irish thing, afaik.

[@RayRae559]

"Tree" instead of three 😂

[@ericdunn555]

​@@RayRae559 Ah sure lookit, trees a crowd, don'tchaknow?

[@ericdunn555]

​@@jellosapiens7261 Indeed. We pronounce four as "foh-or" in my (and many other) parts of Ireland.

[@audibjornsson6107]

Thank you ❤ this hit our family hard, my Dad was on the rescue team here in Washington state on Mt Rainer at that time. It broke his heart that children died on Mt. Hood.

[@melissarmt7330]

Sugar water can stave off shock and shock can kill. You covered this so well. I've lived in arctic conditions and their story is terrifying.

[@luckyspurs]

The effort they put into trying to save him shows how good-spirited those kids were.

[@x77punk77x]

This situation is very reminiscent of the half-century prior 1936 “English calamity” hiking deaths in the Black Forest of Germany where a recklessly zealous English schoolteacher fixated on endurance and hardiness led ill-prepared and underdressed schoolboys (most of whom perished) into a snowstorm with plenty of opportunities to abort the trek and turn back. It’s known as “Engländerunglück” in German.

[@pensivelyrebelling]

I had the same thought. Abstract has a video about it that is absolutely haunting but so good.

[@13ritneyanne]

Oregonian here and visit Mt. Hood annually. It is beautiful but can be VERY dangerous. Its heartbreaking their instructor was so careless. Mine is cautious at all costs. He always reminds us "mother nature is unforgiving" RiP to those that lost their lives. My heart breaks for them 😢❤

[@suzyrottencrotch5132]

A fork is dangerous for a 43tard

[@suzyrottencrotch5132]

Plenty of experienced people died this summer hiking in the heat lol

[@Benderrr111]

You couldn't pay me enough to climb any mountain.. Climb on a frozen slippery rock just for the view? No thanks.

[@13ritneyanne]

@@Benderrr111 to each his own. I totally understand 🤣

[@13ritneyanne]

@xoxofaaab there is a quote that says "Their are old pilots, and their are bold pilots, but never any old bold pilots." Complacency is a killer for sure!

[@jroeglin0729]

When you described that the cave was so tight those trying to get in couldn't even get a hand in, my God. That gave me a visual I will never forget. This is an absolutely terrifying story.

[@jullietmburu9672]

Those poor kids. They must have really suffered mentally the whole time...

[@OUTTA-TYME88]

Same thing happened in Germany in the 1930s. A teacher took his American students hiking in freezing cold temperatures. He ignored every warning and were not dressed for such a trek. They got lost and many of the boys died. Because of what was going on politicaly during that time, it was brushed under the rug. One of the boys parents faught for justice that never came. Utterly heartbreaking

[@norbertomoran4575]

British students. The incident is called ‘Engländerunglück’. There was a book written about it.

[@Littlemissdirtbag]

I'm sure their families got hella cash after the fact.

[@gaaraxnaru]

​@@LittlemissdirtbagI don't think so, seeing as the above comment says justice never came. I'm guessing that means no money either.

[@janielow8719]

​@@Littlemissdirtbag Brits suing someone was practically unheard of then .

[@vladtheimpala5532]

@@Littlemissdirtbag I’m sure they didn’t. People weren’t nearly as litigious in the 1930s as they are today. Nowadays people look at lawsuits as a way to get rich. It wasn’t like that 90 years ago. Not only that but Germany was starting wars all over Europe at the time and England finally declared war on Germany in 1939 so they were all a little busy for lawsuits.

[@GazB85]

The thought of laying in that snow cave on top of dead friends thinking that it’ll soon be your grave too is absolutely awful, I can’t imagine the terror and claustrophobia. I bet they have awful PTSD nightmares to this day.

[@norbertomoran4575]

PTSD for sure. What about having people lay on top of you in that situation. I gasp for air at the thought of it.

[@GazB85]

@@norbertomoran4575 All that plus the not being able to move and the feeling like you can’t breath along with the cold seems like torture!

[@sookie8762]

Thank you for delivering consistently interesting stories and delivering them in a serious yet entertaining way. Relatively rare combination in a very competitive field.

[@Onlyasking-b3s]

Right. It makes them a little easier to digest

[@JOSIE_78]

Exactly that, well said!

[@rebelrog]

Not me, I'm not a fan of this new format. I think the competitive field has covered it all and now they are searching for any crumbs that might be left. And they are all fighting over the same crumbs.

[@kirtknierim3687]

​@@rebelrogagreed about the crumbs part but what new format do you refer to?

[@edloki3057]

מנא מנא תקל ופרסין

[@Dee-jq2ob]

I remember so well when this happened, one of my co-workers husband was a search and rescue for mt. Hood. He’s climbed it many times, Mt. Everest and many more. He was so upset over this and said they had no business being there and none of them packed properly (again teacher/school problem). I grew up here and even I knew the weather on that mountain is very unpredictable, without warning you have gone from 70 degrees to a snow storm, you need to have proper clothes (for any weather), check the weather and understand where you are.

[@bronxwarrior]

What a horrifying experience. Those poor desperate children. This is heart breaking. Very good reporting, I really felt the terrible experience through your story telling.

[@Ms.Rummy57]

Wow! Being Episcopalian, I have never heard of this school or this program! Experienced climbers know that when there is a storm approaching, the trip should have been postponed for an appropriate day without a blizzard! So many mistakes 😪 were made in this climb!

[@kokoskokso]

a stubborn man's ego can do a lot of damage

[@guitarbrad]

Right! The mountain isn't going anywhere. Live to try another day.

[@briggyb]

How unfortunate. Poor kids. At 17, I tried to summit Mt Hood with a few friends about 20 years ago. Even in July, when we got to a pretty high elevation, the snow was so deep that as we hiked, we would fall 3 or 4 feet through the top layer of the snow. It wasn't dangerous, but it was painful. We finally turned around.

[@saschapfluger9477]

No serial Killers here but one of the Most chilling (no pun intended) stories you have ever told, Mike. 😮

[@persgodiva]

Absolutely horrifiyng. Maybe this is unfair but I somehow can't get over the fact that two adults were in that cave while three other students froze to death outside.

[@kokoskokso]

Yeah that's kind of the final spit in the face, although at that stage it's likely that instincts just took over.

[@cherylcampbell9369]

I definitely remember this. I lived in Portland, not far from that Episcopal school. People were very upset about this, for a long time. There was no excuse for this.

[@susanholden6861]

I thought the same thing!

[@1972dsrai]

They were playing with those kids lives and they paid heavily for it. They should have turned back the moment it started to get difficult.

[@jirup]

@@1972dsrai They should have turned around 45 mins in when they lost the first adult. One adult to 3 students in snow is minimal for supervision, continuing after that is negligent.

[@m.r.c.6209]

I've been watching your videos for about 2 years now, and I just want to say that I love that you're branching out into other murder-adjacent (murder-adjacent lol)topics. While you absolutely scratch the true crime itch with the wonderful, concise presentation of your videos, I think what really brings me back time and again is your amazing storytelling abilities. I could watch any one of hundreds of true crime channels, but your personal style is what puts yours above the rest!

[@norbertomoran4575]

2 years! Take a break. Go for a walk and get a snack or something! 😊

[@a.j.6432]

@@norbertomoran4575 I’m assuming your kidding but just in case- I’ve been watching them for over 3 years. In that time I’ve had 2 kids, (had one prior), walk 3 miles a day, lost 30 extra lbs, am a stay at home mom and wife with an exceptionally busy schedule. He uploads twice a week average of 20-25 min videos. Anyone could fit that into their schedule. Especially those of us that don’t watch tv.

[@hailla97]

I was born and raised in Oregon. I lived in Bend, Oregon at the time this happened. This was a tragedy and Should have NEVER HAPPENED.

[@imdoneplus]

This was a good one Mike. It’s not crime but it is spooky and harrowing. I’m glad this one had survivors, I feel so awful for the people who were lost.

[@tanniestienie7833]

That teacher was guilty of man slaughter. Thomas was a very terrible teacher/leader. 9 cases of man slaughter! The others are cases of attempted man slaughter! If he survived he should most certainly have been charged! 😡

[@morganowo1350]

Best in a while.

[@imdoneplus]

@@tanniestienie7833 if he had lived I think he could have been charged with criminally negligent homocide.

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

It's a crime

[@fraenzchen85]

Now you ruined his perfect murder plot

[@DustinzVidz]

I never comment on Mike's videos but I just gotta say that I'm from Oregon and appreciate the hell out of the fact that he properly pronounces the state name. Another excellent video as always. Keep it up, Mike!

[@joniwood4925]

These stories rarely make me cry, this one broke me. So tragic, those poor, scared children. 😢

[@kokoskokso]

Yeah horrific. They wanted to turn back, but were convinced / forced to march on.. to their death. 😕

[@chairmankaga2821]

Timberline Lodge was only filmed for the opening exterior shots. The actual movie was shot at Elstree Studios in England. Love your content.

[@iunnbrynveig3309]

I was wondering about that.I hiked up to Timberline lodge in 2019, and only recently found out about it being part of the setting in Shining (I'm glad that I didn't know it at the time!) but didn't know where the interiors were shot.

[@rafaelamb]

Mike, this is so similar to a national walk of dead in the Chilean army. They made a number of very young cadets walk into a snow storm. A very tragic story just like this one.

[@kokoskokso]

Oh wow

[@ThatsaTechnicalFoul]

I remember Outward Bound from childhood. I used to be jealous cuz I loved the outdoors & they got to go on cool trips. However, it was always just canoeing, camping, hiking, swimming. Basically summer camp. This mountain climb was a ridiculously dangerous thing to even consider. But back in the 80s, people weren’t as protective of us as kids. We were expected to just survive.

[@Jane-Roe1126]

I grew up in the 60s and 70s I agree with you.

[@paigeb1318]

Right! We survived. Now you're wearing a mask in your pfp, just like the snowflakes of today. So, they got you to believe it's healthy to restrict your oxygen intake. If you need someone else to tell you that stale air is unhealthy, the studies are in. The rags don't help you; they are harmful. I'm so disappointed to see you in that rag 😢

[@grannyonwire8926]

I’m an old woman now and I’m telling you through my life I’ve run into people like Tom and thank God I’ve been smart enough not to let them lead 21:31 me anywhere. You gotta watch out for these narcissistic people they’ll lead you to your peril.

[@taras6806]

I like and appreciate the wisdom of elders. x

[@benhartart9487]

Thanks old woman

[@taras6806]

@@benhartart9487 Have some respect!!!!

[@grannyonwire8926]

@@benhartart9487 you’re welcome sonnie

[@kingcosworth2643]

If only we had our older brains in our 20 year old bodies huh, would be wonderful for personnel achievements.

[@wendybutler1681]

This ripped apart the hearts of Oregonians. We watched every moment of the search, hoping against hope. It was hard to blame the school but the school put them on the mountain.

[@Steampunkkids]

Do you know if it was mandatory for the students to reach the summit of Mt. Hood? Like, would they not be able to graduate high school if they didn’t reach the top?

[@thexxit]

A common theme in these types of disasters seems to be an irresponsible adult. It must have been so terrifying and traumatic.

[@johnmike121]

and a fake basis as a therapeutic modality to generate profit on top of it all

[@dianaprince3176]

An irresponsible MALE

[@denisehagwood4542]

​@@dianaprince3176 lol does it matter what gender they were?

[@dianaprince3176]

@@denisehagwood4542 It does when males repeatedly insist that they’re “the logical gender.” That must be why the female student and her mother turned back and saved their own lives after arguing with “the logical gender” about the safety of the outing. 🤡

[@Erinski]

It's been a long time since I put my trust in someone who seemed like they were asking me to do something crazy, because they seemed confident. It's been a long time, but there was a time where I could easily have wound up frozen on a mountain, because the youth leader told me I'd regret throwing in the towel. Never again will I not trust more gut, nor will I pressure anyone who seems uncomfortable.

[@5amH45lam]

You don't expect your trusted leader to place you in mortal danger. 😮

[@johnmike121]

unfortunately there's an endless supply in population that kids parents could be somehow convinced to pay for this as a therapeutic reality

[@johnmike121]

​@@5amH45lamit's the parental responsibility to be the caregiver/guardian of their kids enough to recognize this to be a horrible idea

[@nicolemitchell446]

That environment is just so unforgiving. There’s no room for error or unforeseen circumstances. I can’t fathom a single reason to justify that risk.

[@makeshift_battlefield_music]

Two of my friends have died from being exposed at night in great lakes snowstorms, I can't imagine the kind of snow and wind would be on that mountain, nor can I imagine a willingness to go out on such an adventure with a storm coming on a damn mountain when it's so easy to die in winter.

[@adnaloy9025]

Thanks for sharing. Sad story. As a hiker, I am always watching the weather reports and radar. It is sad that they didn't have the same technology we do now. Even if they did, storms shift all the time. You have to be willing to turn back when the weather turns, no matter how much you might want to get to that peak or that view.

[@builtinsuspicion]

It's sad to think that these people lost their lives because they chose to trust lunatic. It's one thing to be reckless with your own life, but to put innocent lives at risk 🤯. Thank you as always for all your hard work. Stay safe, and remember we love ya.

[@smitakfun]

Nobody chooses to trust. I can't imagine when I was in school countering my teacher. Imagine all kids are having fun and you say No and stay back. Unless your parents stop you from going, you wanna go 😢

[@theoriginalbluey]

Our school troop once suffered almost the opposite, walking for miles, miles from nowhere, in utter baking heat. We were 10 years old. I had a beaker with me which very quickly emptied, I chewed away on the plastic in desperation for some form of liquid. The teacher leading was obviously lost. It was horrific and will never forget it, however it pales compared to what these poor guys suffered. The idea of ever going up a mountain in a blizzard like these students were lead to do fills me with utter dread.

[@jullietmburu9672]

I'm so sorry you had to endure that 🙏🏾

[@SynthoidSounds]

I've been to Mt Hood, several times, during spring and summer. Amazingly beautiful, but truly enormous, and the winters can be extremely brutal, absolutely not the place for amateur novice climbers. The pro climber in this group absolutely should have recognized this, ended this climb and turned around. I can sort of understand Thomas' fanatical zeal to prove a point, deliver a lesson on teamwork, perseverance and so on, but this was such an extreme lapse in judgement, it's hard to imagine. RIP all those who perished in this unnecessary ordeal.

[@judithgannon5642]

Why not climb during a different season with novices?

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

I can sort of understand too his determination to push on.

[@dianaprince3176]

@@It-is-me...MelsiePride goeth before a fall. It’s the worst of the Seven Deadly Sins.

[@panheadbob2926]

I worked with Ralph and Dee at Mt Hood Meadows in '86. Both Ralph and Dee new that it wasn't the right Time to be on the Mountain that Day. They were the only Climbers up there. Ralph lacked the leadership Skills to take control of the situation when Dee and himself realized they needed to turn back. Dee thoughtfully "claimed" snow Blindness and turned back in time to save herself when she realized that Ralph wasn't going to take the initiative to override Thomas's decision to keep going. Ralph was a lot more responsible for the Deaths of these people than most accounts of this innocent will admit.

[@1DangerMouse1]

This is the kind of situation where giving up is a good idea and as others have said don't let someone socially pressure you into a life threatening situation. It's not worth it.

[@diannamoss4900]

What an awful tragedy. 😢 thank you for telling it with so much empathy.❤

[@casssmith2610]

My daughters bf made national news when climbing Hood. He and a buddy who were professionals climbers. Not novices. Back in 2005. A cover of ice didn’t allow the pick to penetrate deeply enough and they fell 100 feet into a crevice. Thankfully Shawn’s phone still worked but Kenny was fatally injured. Took hours to rescue them. My daughter almost went with them that day but as they were hosting a cocktail party that evening, she stayed home to prepare. Plus she had an odd feeling. They climbed mountains all over the world. And this happened in their own backyard. Were prepping to climb K2 but that of course was scrapped.

[@brettrigby2226]

Kenny Dale Kasselder right? i'm 41 i remember this being on the news is was just awful

[@gregbors8364]

Crevasse*

[@RabidBeast45]

@@gregbors8364 Smartasse*

[@brettrigby2226]

@@RabidBeast45 i mean yes but the difference is huge. a crevice is a small crack that no human could fit in. i get the correction but i don't think it was required to get the context at all. Persons just spoke out about losing a friend to the elements and this arsehole cares about the mis spelling. grow up

[@gregbors8364]

@@RabidBeast45 Sorry, jeez, it was just an FYI situation. I wasn’t dissing the OP. Just putting some information out there in case anyone wants to use it for future reference. I also make minor spelling errors sometimes, but I never get offended when someone corrects me 🤷‍♂️

[@madeline3868]

Tragic I know people who done outward bound or similar programs in recent years. Thankfully the message has always been “you can turn around and climb another day”.

[@pamelalandis4627]

You are the best storyteller, Mike. Thank you!

[@carrietobey6091]

Came here to say precisely this!

[@GIChiyo]

I like that you are branching out to stories that are not just crime! You should look into theme parks and disasters that have happened at them, it's a super interesting topic and there are a lot of incidents (sadly) that would fit the channel

[@lesliecurran1704]

I like this as well. I actually stopped watching because I was so it's just so dark. I didn't want to immerse myself in that darkness. But there are so many other things that are interesting like even white collar crime, things that just aren't as dark but are fascinating. I was going to suggest to Mike because he's such a good storyteller that he branches out into those types of things. At least some of the time.

[@ramennoodleenjoyer]

There are already so many good channels dedicated to theme park incidents that there doesn’t really need to be anymore

[@dianaprince3176]

This was a crime. These adults literally led these kids to their deaths

[@Geebopgrabup]

What a horrifying story. I love stories of expeditions gone awry, but the thought that children were essentially forced into this foolhardy endeavor is absolutely heartbreaking. Wonderful storytelling as always, Mike, and always so respectful of the victims.

[@JoshHitti]

The fact that you can pronounce Oregon better than half of America is amazing 😂🎉

[@kokoskokso]

Hahahahaha 🤣 I lived in Ireland for a year back in the day. Took me a good while to get adjusted to the accent 🙈 the nicest people and great storytellers for sure!

[@Lindzeeann2uuu]

It was so pronounced so perfectly, I didn’t even notice!

[@Monika-bc3dq]

Whether they were an hour behind or not, they shouldn't even have gone. He felt guilty, because he was guilty of pushing for going and continuing. His stubbornness caused this. It wasn't a cheerful belief and a "we can do it!" attitude, it was pure stubbornness and unwillingness to take shit seriously. No matter how many times you've been out there between the mountains, you DO NOT underestimate the conditions and the mountains themselves. I almost hoped that Thomas survived, so he could live with the guilt. I am genuinely angry with him, even tho he's not an evil POS that Mike usually talk about.

[@empressmarowynn]

Unfortunately incompetence can be just as deadly as malice, sometimes even more so.

[@pazza4555]

If kids who are usually up for a mountain hike are saying they need to stop, listen to them! They were telling him that they hit their limits, but he didn't want to hear it.

[@kokoskokso]

​@@empressmarowynn a stubborn man's ego can do a lot of damage

[@michael-h8153]

​@@empressmarowynnincompetent and stubborn people have discovered or accomplished the greatest human accoplishments. The only difference is in all those stories they never had children with them...be what you want, no reason to dag kids through the mud.

[@molybdomancer195]

Pilots call his attitude “get-there-itis”. A blind determination to get to your destination against all obstacles which means you overlook evident danger

[@sandrafaber6441]

As an Oregonian, I remember being glued to the TV, hoping for the best but expecting worst. It was such a helpless feeling, knowing they were somewhere. But the snow obliterated everything. Mt. Hood is beautiful but unforgiving.

[@Raymond-rr5iv]

The idea of freezing to death on the side of a mountain being led by an overzealous and inexperienced person was childhood fear I've had. I never like cold weather. Rest in peace for these poor victims who never made it to adulthood 🙏.

[@matthewpitre8159]

Yeah I don't deal with bad weather really well and I live in Canada so we have winter here half of the year I remember going outside at recess they forced you to go out in winter and I would just stand in the corner of the building for warm and just huddle the whole time that's pretty wanted to go back inside when I got older I realized I could just pretend I went outside I don't in the bathroom the whole time they're not Going to count the students after all! Also being homeless in winter here is really rough

[@Tinkering902]

Pretty specific fear.

[@georgiaf2987]

@@Tinkering902i was thinking that too

[@elleemm4414]

@@georgiaf2987 same.

[@billymartin1874]

Thats attention seekingly specific

[@susanbecker1786]

Hey Mike! I don't comment often, but your delivery of this story was amazing!! Such a horrible tradgedy. I'm thinking more of these subjects and how you do them, would be great! Continued success.

[@scotcat7182]

Not finished watching yet, but it reminds me of the Cairngorm Plateau tragedy. So many similarities. An enthusiastic teacher who was so focussed on getting up that safety was put to one side.

[@cali.girllivinnnevada8]

That’s how it is when you’re in the mountains, storms don’t creep up they hit you like a sledgehammer.

[@erents1]

Wow, as a seasoned winter survivalist I can imagine what they went through. I really feel for everyone especially the kids that lost their lives. Snow caves are uncomfortable at best during long nights but when you have to stay in them for more than 10 hours, you had better have everything you need to stay warm and dry. They should have dug two adequate caves and maintained them. Better yet they should have never gone up in the first place, as the storms basically come right out of the Pacific Ocean with nothing to slow them down! The storms can hit much sooner than predicted, very sad.

[@mikehoncho3130]

That view is Unbelievable! You can also see the peaks of Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Ranier ,it's breathtaking but you never have realized how insignificant you are until you witness something like that!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Wow, what an absolutely tragic story. Can't believe I never heard of this case. Although I definitely put the blame on Thomas, rest in peace to him, as well as the others who lost their lives that day: Allison, Erin, Eric, Patrick, Tasha, Richard, Suzanne, and Maryanne. Hope the parents somehow, some way found some sort of semblance of peace & hopefully prevailed in their lawsuits as well. This never should have occurred. Anyhow, thanks for the video & enjoy your weekend!

[@mikehubbard1967]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time; you have done a remarkable job at bringing this tragedy to other's. I believe the more people know about the dangers of good ole mother nature they may follow their gut feelings.

[@Boe-Temeraire]

I can’t imagine the survivors guilt they must’ve had to deal with after this

[@maririntsw1517]

you are such a good narrator that I actually felt the panic of the victims in my chest, btw, you should do a video about the tragedy of antuco, kind of a similar tragedy but lesser known

[@Hinchmankimberly0829]

Goes to show, don't ignore your gut instincts. Another great story Mike! Kimberly from upstate NY.❤

[@allergictomediocre8989]

As a teacher myself, this is absolutely insane. This story explains why parents are insufferable in 2023! Cant blame them!

[@cyn37211]

I hope that teacher felt guilty over the 8 people he killed.

[@ms.annthropic6341]

Yeah, it’s absolutely insane to me that this was a high school trip! It’s a literal threat to life and limb, how TF could any school think it would be a good idea to put a bunch of 16yos in this situation?? 🤯 I mean, obviously things went wrong, this wasn’t “the plan”, but it was a possibility, so the idea that it was ever even considered as an activity is frickin mental.

[@vanessamccarthy7807]

I totally agree with you. Meanwhile, here in the UK, the health and safety (fun police) banned our children from playing with conkers or even Yo-Yos as they were too dangerous... there seems to be no middle ground.

[@vanessamccarthy7807]

I've had to stop watching this video halfway through as it is just too distressing 😢

[@damac5136]

Many teachers have become insufferable in the meantime, actually.

[@aimeeshatto9504]

So, currently my husband is driving to Mt. Hood to hike it today. He left our house 30 minutes ago, we live maybe an hour away. Not kidding, talk about timing. Oh, hello from Oregon.....😂 He'll be fine. 😂😂😊

[@trevorwhatever2050]

Whoa, it's hard to believe even 2 of them survived in that buries cave. Absolutely unreal.

[@bw1330]

i got lost like this on Mt Rainier - scary as hell when you realize you have no idea where you are. you think it would be easy to just go "down the mountain" but weather makes it impossible to tell which way is up. crazy

[@jmurray2018]

As tragic as this was.. It was a really nice change from your usual crime stuff and with a heavy heart, this was one of my fave episodes by you.. Beautifully presented in such a professional way, thank you for this.

[@raymondcaylor6292]

I remember this horrible tragic event. I was going through diving certification then and had an instructor I already thought was irresponsible with oxygen levels in tanks. I abandoned the classes and found another instructor I felt good about but after my 3rd solo dive I quit deep sea and only ocean shoreline, river, and lake dived. It's a wonderful world in the ocean depths but too scary for me. EDIT: 2nd solo dive not 3rd

[@kokoskokso]

I applaud you. So many people let their ego override their best judgement, take unnecessary risks and the result can be tragic, as we saw in this story.

[@kathrinewilson559]

Hi there! I’ve had THREE dodgy di’s from three different school. Extremely dangerous. Almost gave up but finally found a decent crew. It wasn’t me it was them for sure. I lost all confidence in myself but thankfully didn’t lose my life or have a major injury. So important to follow your gut instinct. A lot of ego out there. Ego sunk the Titanic. Stay safe 🐟🐠

[@katryan889]

What a story Mike. Well told...talk about pictures with words! I can't even imagine being going through such a horrendous ordeal.😮

[@angela.m3049]

Mike the way you tell the story its like you paint a perfect picture. And it keeps you on your toes.. you always do a great job. Very sad story i couldnt images going through something like that

[@YZ250W1]

I've been up Hood several times, fun to snowboard down. It always amazes me how many people get caught in weather, still happens frequently. With all the weather information available it's ridiculous.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

This was 37 years ago.

[@TheLochs]

As an American I'd never heard of this. How disgusting of Goman. Truly horrible, poor kids.

[@kinsley7777]

enjoyed the storyteller style you gave to this horrific event … thank YOU for making the worst of the worst a little easier to swallow, Mike

[@LordVlax]

Yep, I also blame Tom... There's being tenacious and there's being stubborn, he was the responsable adult for those kids and should've know better than to risk their lives in a storm, at the very least, when Ralph told him it wasn't safe he should have started to climb down.

[@panheadbob2926]

Ralph was a lot more responsible for the Deaths of these People than most accounts of this Incident are admitting.

[@catlady5359]

Here in New Zealand schools do a lot of outdoor activities because this is a very beautiful place to explore. We’ve had two cases of schools on outdoor activities where tragedy has struck due to weather conditions. In both cases adults made poor decisions about continuing despite changing weather conditions - namely heavy rain. In one a group was moving through a canyon at an outdoor park and the guide hadn’t been given the latest weather report [edit] or proper direction about assessing safety for the trip. The group was in the canyon (gorge) when a flash flood sent water rushing through. The guide tried to get the kids out safely, but sadly a teacher and [edit] six students died. Earlier this year severe flooding hit after heavy rainfall. A teacher thought that the weather wouldn’t be bad enough to cancel a group going to some caves [edit] instead of rock climbing (annual outdoor event). One mother refused to let her child go on the day. Sadly, the cave flooded and, although people (including the teacher) were desperately pulling the kids out one by one, one student couldn’t be found and died. Pride is a human failing; it’s awful when people die because of one person’s pride (or arrogance).

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

That particular school where they went to the caves seems to have not particularly logical people making decisions in regards to their excursions. I remember for that one a dad emailed the school voicing his concerns prior to the trip and received no response. In saying that, my son goes to a school in Canterbury and I think the mandatory outdoor activities they have for the kids are great and really good for them.

[@catlady5359]

@@It-is-me...Melsie yes, I think there were a number of parents who were worried about the group going ahead with the cave exploration. There were certainly a lot of local people who were surprised by (and aghast at) the decision by the school to go ahead. I think it’s a great idea for kids, especially older kids, to get outdoor experience in a school group. It’s increasing their health and introducing them to fun ways to stay fit. They just need practical, wise and experienced adults to make sure they’re safe while they’re out there.

[@norbertomoran4575]

And sometimes you just have to make a judgement call. Nature can be unforgiving. That doesn’t mean we should shudder and hide at the thought of risk or moderate danger (subjectively determined). Keep in mind when this land was settled the pioneers suffered much. It seems we as a society have lost connection with understanding just how vast and powerful nature can be and that it’s inherently dangerous regardless of all the precautions we take.

[@catlady5359]

@@norbertomoran4575 I agree that nature can be unforgiving. If we have appropriate respect for nature then that should factor into our judgement calls. Part of the pioneer spirit is taking risks and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, even the most adventurous of people can become overly confident and make poor judgement calls. That’s the point of this story imo.

[@jullietmburu9672]

I'm kenyan, and we've had our fair share of young people dying when they should be having fun with each other. In one school trip to the coast, the teachers were unaware of how tides work, and allowed 8-9 year olds to play in the water as the tides were rising. Most of our coastline has a coral reef as a barrier, but this particular beach wasn't protected. It took the local lifeguard and beach boys to rescue the kids, unfortunately about 8 drowned. School trips were cancelled for a long time, and schools had to hire trained personnel to accompany the kids during trips. Another incident involved flasj floods in a canyon called Hell's Gate. The young people (college age) were warned by the locals that it had rained, and they shouldn't go to the caves. They didn't know anything about flash floods, and when the waters came, they were swept away into the caves. The survivors couldn't even speak...

[@PhotographyMacDonald]

I live in the shadow of Mt. Hood and I remember this incident like it was yesterday. People underestimate how difficult it is to climb Wy'east (native name for Hood) and they pay the price. The mountain claims lives on a regular basis, some never to be found again. I love the mountain, and play on her slopes and trails on a regular basis, but I always do it with deep respect and with a reverence for the people who have perished there. You're retelling of this story made me cry, you made me feel the panic. You are a gifted story teller, Mike. Well done.

[@Royak]

Here I am in night shift break and watching you . Thanks so much Mike for your great content.

[@jasonallen3678]

Just a sad tragedy and I love the mountains,but only snowmobiling and may they all continue to Rest In Peace.

[@julietteoscaralphanovember2223]

This is so heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to all the families. Prayers for the survivors. I can't imagine how this effected them psychologically. 🙏

[@Chelseainhr]

Thank you for the story Mike! I wake up and look at this beautiful mountain every morning as I live in Hood River Oregon. I have never heard the story told so indepthly before, and it’s good to remember how dangerous this beautiful mountain really can be!

[@TheLaughingMustache-oh5ff]

I live in Central Oregon..Mount Hood is just flat out a dangerous area to be climbing imho. Almost every few years people die climbing it. When the weather gets rough, the winds start kicking up and they can't get helicopters up there to search it, so getting help is iffy.

[@katalintorok2538]

I live in Portland now but wasn't there in 86. Many bad storms catch novices by surprise every year. It's a terrible mountain to climb if you have no common sense like the pastor. Why he thought he knew more than the experienced guide they had hired is beyond me. Great story, Mike, as always.

[@cdes1776]

As far as I know there is democracy within a team. Clearly it was an autocracy. Any mountain climber worth their salt is paying close attention to the weather at regular intervals.

[@gregbors8364]

It’s a lot less dangerous now that weather forecasting is exponentially more accurate than it was in the 1980’s. Still, anyone who’s going to attempt to climb a 10,000+ ft. mountain better be thoroughly prepared.

[@kokoskokso]

It's equally the guide's fault I'd say. He was supposed to be the pro expert here so he should've been 100% aware how dangerous going ahead was. Yet he didn't put his foot down.

[@panheadbob2926]

@@kokoskokso You're correct. Ralph lacked the leadership Skills to override Thomas's decision to continue. Ralph was more at Fault then People are wanting to admit.

[@CottageontheCorner]

This makes me remember how in the 80s my grade, eighth grade took a trip to Bear Mountain in New York, and the small group I was in, got separated from the rest of the group. It was pouring. It was on an incline, and really slippery. We had to walk behind a literal waterfall… All the time being aware that the name bear mountain is there for a reason. It was the scariest thing and we all still remember it.

[@luckyspurs]

Wow, that sounds like a nightmare I'd have. Maybe it's my naivety as a Brit but slipping seems scarier than the bear.

[@CottageontheCorner]

@@luckyspurs My Scottish mum and grandparents raised me in Brooklyn NY and it was so scary!

[@annika_panicka]

I've never heard about this case, either. Thanks, Mike, for your exploration of another student-related ordeal. What happened in this one is appalling and especially tragic in that it was avoidable.

[@rengil143]

Such a horrifying story. I can't fathom the fear they must have felt. Great storytelling as usual!!❤