Shane McConkey dies in ski base jumping accident

[TooFarTampa]

To have died any other way would have been a tragedy.

.

riiight ... I am sure his preschool aged daughter would agree.

 

[SHELLY]

riiight ... I am sure his preschool aged daughter would agree.

It's true that he didn't fully consider his preschool-aged daughter when he skied off the sides of mountains...but I think when she gets older and, if she understands his passion,--yes, she'd agree it was a fitting way for him to exit this life, doing what he loved, as opposed to getting hit by the cross-town bus.

 

[steele mama]

It's true that he didn't fully consider his preschool-aged daughter when he skied off the sides of mountains...but I think when she gets older and, if she understands his passion,--yes, she'd agree it was a fitting way for him to exit this life, doing what he loved, as opposed to getting hit by the cross-town bus.

Appreciating his passion, but she might wish he had more passion for spending his life with her. Maybe toning down his activities to see her grow up. Just a thought.

 

[TooFarTampa]

It's true that he didn't fully consider his preschool-aged daughter when he skied off the sides of mountains...but I think when she gets older and, if she understands his passion,--yes, she'd agree it was a fitting way for him to exit this life, doing what he loved, as opposed to getting hit by the cross-town bus.

Too bad he didn't wait for his mid-life crisis.

It's more likely the mom will remarry, probably someone much different, and the child will have a completely different experience than she would otherwise, and probably will be fine, but it sucks for him to miss out. I am perhaps a bit sensitive because I have watched something similar happen twice now (though not in such a dramatic fashion of course), and both cases were two of the most tragic family stories I have ever seen. Sad sad sad ... no matter how he went out. JMO.

 

[SHELLY]

Too bad he didn't wait for his mid-life crisis.

It's more likely the mom will remarry, probably someone much different, and the child will have a completely different experience than she would otherwise, and probably will be fine, but it sucks for him to miss out. I am perhaps a bit sensitive because I have watched something similar happen twice now (though not in such a dramatic fashion of course), and both cases were two of the most tragic family stories I have ever seen. Sad sad sad ... no matter how he went out. JMO.

I understand what you are saying...I too had close family member who exited this world leaving very young children behind--a 33 year-old mom, died of cancer leaving 3 young kids behind (9, 5, and 3 years old). The kids all grew up OK--with the father remaining single; but still, had she exited the world doing what she loved, instead of in that tragic and painful way, I can't help but think it would have made for a better legacy.

 

[passin thru]

This is a long-running and worthwhile discussion, the effects of adventurers' decisions & sometimes their deaths upon their families. Check out the books "Fragile Edge" and "Where The Mountain Casts Its Shadow" by Maria Coffey for some inside, insightful viewpoints.

And if you're not familiar with his documented passion for life, please check out Shane in a number of Matchstick Productions films (www.mspfilms.com), including "There's Something About McConkey." We may just need to run some Shane footie at MountainFilm here this fall. Rest, and rip, in peace brother.

 

[steele mama]

I understand what you are saying...I too had close family member who exited this world leaving very young children behind--a 33 year-old mom, died of cancer leaving 3 young kids behind (9, 5, and 3 years old). The kids all grew up OK--with the father remaining single; but still, had she exited the world doing what she loved, instead of in that tragic and painful way, I can't help but think it would have made for a better legacy.

Apples and organges because she did not choose the cancer, but I get what you mean.

This is a long-running and worthwhile discussion, the effects of adventurers' decisions & sometimes their deaths upon their families. Check out the books "Fragile Edge" and "Where The Mountain Casts Its Shadow" by Maria Coffey for some inside, insightful viewpoints.

And if you're not familiar with his documented passion for life, please check out Shane in a number of Matchstick Productions films (www.mspfilms.com), including "There's Something About McConkey." We may just need to run some Shane footie at MountainFilm here this fall. Rest, and rip, in peace brother.

It definitely could be a good debate. We all do risk our lives every day in ways we don't think about. (Like me using my blackberry on the interstate!) Not very respectful of my family. I think I will stop. I certainly am not saying he should not have done what he loved. There is no right or wrong here. It just is and is sad for them all.

 

[NoHall]

Reminds me to some degree of when Steve Irwin died. Look at the legacy of conservation he left for his daughter and son, who would undoubtedly be happier to have him here than to be living without him...

My first thought, TFT, was that his little girl would probably rather have him alive than to have him take horrible risks with his life and die. But life has never been certain; our generation is among the first to expect daddies to live long enough to go to the old folks' home. My own father is about to be 67, and if something happened to him tomorrow I would feel cheated. I would also be angry with him for continuing to smoke and shorting me of several good years with him.

 

[Lynnie]

Reminds me to some degree of when Steve Irwin died. Look at the legacy of conservation he left for his daughter and son, who would undoubtedly be happier to have him here than to be living without him...

My first thought, TFT, was that his little girl would probably rather have him alive than to have him take horrible risks with his life and die. But life has never been certain; our generation is among the first to expect daddies to live long enough to go to the old folks' home. My own father is about to be 67, and if something happened to him tomorrow I would feel cheated. I would also be angry with him for continuing to smoke and shorting me of several good years with him.

Woooo, NoHall - I hear ya'!! (Your Daddy is young! I was such a late in life baby!)

My Daddy died of lung cancer when I was in first grade. No treatments/cure really for him back then. No argument: I would much prefer he still be here with me. I can only imagine the funn we would be having! Dancing to Glenn Miller......., telling me all kinds of crazy stories. I am fortunate from the respect that he knew he was dying and told me all of the family history (of course, I was reminded of many as I got older), and, he believed in buying me jewels for my adutlhood - certain pieces at 16, college, 21, etc..... Growing up and even today, there were and are many moments I feel cheated. But, I talk to him all the time.

He did stop smoking for about 10 years - he had cancer when I was conceived. After his ten year mark (physicians told him 10 years), he fired back up. Today, despite the fact he isn't with me, there is a huge part of me that is content he died doing something that brought him enjoyment.....if anyone has ever smoked, there is a certain pleasure with it. Particularly in his day when it was cool and hip! Was he selfish? Not a selfish bone in his body. It's all a matter of perspective~~~~

I take that philosophy to the streets: when I give a dollar to a homeless person, my giving karma is done. Whatever that person needs to get through his/her day, well they need to have at it. I have been annihilated by super right wingers on that one - they seem to think I should take the person to a diner for a meal. I say, "Live and let live!"

I also remember the man who climbed Mt. Everest while he wife was 8 mos. pregnant. He died while on the phone with her being covered by a blizzard. Back then, I thought his act was selfish. But, with age that softens as we should all be able to do the things we love. ;-)

My $0.03~~~~~

 

[Mermaid]

riiight ... I am sure his preschool aged daughter would agree.

There's no denying that tragedy for what little girl would not want her beloved father see her grow up? But on the other side, the blame should not be all on Shane McConkey. Extreme skiing was his life. Surely his wife knew he wouldn't and/or couldn't give it up before they decided to have a child together. The odds of him dying young given his profession were always high. Should he have never married or had children because of it?