A big ditto re QS's comments. In a Whitney-centric community like ours, Christian was one of us, regardless of whether he was a member of the board. The same goes for Wade Brunette last year and the group from Nebraska a few weeks ago. We all know how easy it can be to get in trouble on this mountain, especially in winter conditions, so there's a natural empathy response towards anyone who does.
As Christian was solo, we'll almost certainly never know the exact "why" of his accident. The speculation as to "where" is a natural byproduct of the brief, sketchy reporting we've seen so far on the location he was found. Once more authorative detail appears on this, that question will be satisfied. I fail to see where "gossip" or "rumors" regarding Christian's accident have appeared. Nothing that I've seen on either board's thread on this subject has been anything other than respectful.
I hope I'm reading you wrong, but your "thoughts and prayers" reference comes across as dismissive, implying that they are mostly insincere lip service while we engage in gossip and rumor-mongering. Believe what you may about what's in the hearts of others, but I can attest to Joe's (Quillansculpture's) sincerity in his recollection about Wade Brunette's death last year. He and I traded a number of e-mails while Wade was missing, and he was most assuredly shaken by that event. I recall him mentioning that he was even having trouble sleeping. I accompanied Joe up Whitney last July, and there were several moments between Trail Crest and the summit when Wade was heavily on our minds. I suspect next year when we approach the North Fork, the same will be said about Christian.
