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Latest Tragedy - Heroism - On Mammoth Mountain

By J.D. O'Connor
April 06, 2006

The trio was identified Friday as: James Juarez, 35, a five-year veteran of the Mammoth Mountain ski patrol originally from Granada Hills; John "Scott" McAndrews, 37, of Bishop, and Charles Rosenthal, 58, of Sunny Slopes, Calif., a veteran of the ski patrol since 1972.

According to Rusty Gregory, chairman and CEO of Mammoth Mountain, Rosenthal went into the fissure carrying oxygen tanks for each of his friends, but wore none himself.

"He too was overcome," said Gregory.

Gregory said the party of patrollers were attempting to fence off the vent - a well known spot near the Christmas Bowl run, east of Chair 3 - when the snow collapsed from under two of them and they fell 21 feet into the vent. After Rosenthal's attempt to save his friends failed a fourth ski patroller, Jeff Bridges, 51, went into the hole, using an oxygen tank. He too was quickly overcome.

Finally, an unidentified patroller, attached to a rope, went in without oxygen and pulled Bridges to safety, Gregory said. A succession of ski patrol members tried to help throughout the ordeal. Seven were hospitalized as a result.

Rosenthal, Juarez and McAndrews were taken to a hospital but were essentially dead on arrival, according to the emergency room physician who treated them.

Thursday's deaths left mountain employees shaken. Gregory said he met with the surviving members of the patrol Thursday night and offered to close the mountain if they felt it was appropriate.

"They all showed up for work this morning," Gregory said.

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Comments

	I've just heard about this awful news. This is all I've heard so far, names unknown. I'm sure more will be posted when the facts are straight. Please keep us informed. Prayers and positve thoughts sent to all concerned. Too many tragedies in what would should be a fantastic season. May god bless them all.
	Posted by: Rae Tierney | April 7, 2006 08:40 AM

	No no. I know all these guys. Don't want to go into details. All i can say is that this freaking sucks. I I can't even think straight right now.
	Posted by: Mike | April 7, 2006 08:48 AM

	Thoughts and prayers with all the patrollers at Mammoth...
	Posted by: Cindy | April 7, 2006 12:23 PM

	Even way out here in the East our hearts go out to these brave guys. Thank you Ski Patrol for all that you do.
	Posted by: Jerry, Syracuse, NY | April 7, 2006 01:01 PM

	Such a tragedy, ALL our friends are praying for the families and friends of these 4 courageous and devoted patrollers, as well as all the mountain employees and residents of Mammoth. God Bless
	Posted by: JamieMac | April 7, 2006 02:08 PM

	My God. Heroes all.
	Posted by: Victor Blass | April 7, 2006 03:08 PM

I have only this: Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields See how these names are feted by the waving grass And by the streamers of white cloud And whispers of wind in the listening sky. The names of those who in their lives fought for life Who wore at their hearts the fire's center. Born of the sun they traveled a short while towards the sun, And left the vivid air signed with their honor. Stephen Spender wrote that, I wish I had.

Posted by: Nick Rice | April 7, 2006 03:18 PM

	Our hearts and prayers go out to the freinds and families of these brave individuals. And to those that survived the ordeal...thank goodness. Thanks to our brave teams that keep us safe on the mountains...
	Posted by: Kimberley, Whistler Canada | April 12, 2006 12:36 PM

	Remember them...
	Posted by: Hardy Bayer | April 13, 2006 03:47 PM

	My heart hurts. James, I never told you... but you were so loved. :( You could brighten even my darkest day.
	Posted by: Angela Brightwell | May 9, 2006 01:08 PM