The Giant Takes A Life

It’s easy to see how you could fall from The Chin. It’s a rocky outcropping with an uneven surface and little room for error.

Such sad news. A young man of 18 who’d fallen from Sleeping Giant yesterday has died of his injuries. The first reports said he’d been on the Tower Trail, the one Helaine and I walk, when he fell and plunged 200 feet.

It didn’t make sense. The Tower Trail is challenging because it’s 1.6 miles of incline. There is little danger on the trail itself.

Today came word he’d been on The Chin. The Chin is just off the trail near the Tower. It’s where the image at the top of this entry was taken.

As a place to take pictures or just stare out into Central Connecticut it’s alluring. I’ve been there many times and always think about my footing and where my next step will be. I’m always looking for a tree to hold onto.

It’s easy to see how you could fall from The Chin. It’s a rocky outcropping with an uneven surface and little room for error.

I feel awful for this young man’s family. How tragic it must be for them. There is nothing that will bring their son back.

I hope this terrible accident doesn’t change the mountain. Sometimes the beauty of nature is only appreciated when a site is left natural. Warnings signs, handholds and restrictions are not the answer to this horrible loss.

7 thoughts on “The Giant Takes A Life”

  1. I think when people engage in any type of sport, hiking, walking, they KNOW THEIR LIMITATIONS. As unfortunate and sad as this event is and my heart goes out to his family, we all must remember that nature is beautiful and needs to be respected at all times. Accidents happen. Making sure a person DOES NOT put themselves in this position and that of the First Responder is paramount.

  2. Yes terrible tragedy really struck me hard today as I was hopeful that he would recover. Very, very sad and my heart breaks for his family and friends.

  3. Toby went to the same high school I did and was only two years younger than me. He was such a sweet kid and was incredibly intelligent in some of the classes of mine that he was in. I can’t help but think about all the stupid stuff I’ve done being a teenager and I easily could have died. This whole situation makes me re-think all the choices I have ever made and I would never want my parents to go through what his are going through right now. Toby and his family will be in my thoughts and I hope one day that it hurts just a little less for them.

  4. That’s so incredibly sad since the report I heard last night was that he was conscious so I thought nothing more about it.

    I’ve never been on “the chin” – I imagine that’s to the left of the tower trail going up the hill? I’ve gone down the back of the head (over by the old quarry) and it scared the shit out of me.

    Very sad.

  5. His Dad was one of my English professors at Quinnipiac in the 70s. My heart goes out to the entire family. I lead hikes for groups, including the Appalachian Mountain Club. There are tough hikes at the Giant and this area is one of them.

  6. It is a tragic loss, and a lesson that no one should climb or hike alone. Lost a dear friend many years ago that I grew up with from Hamden who broke this rule and went climbing alone.
    I hope this does not change the landscape of the Giant, but reminds people to know their limitations, and be safe……..

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