There are currently two French explorers that have recently contacted C/C.
Kurtis from http:/www.explorationurbaine.com and another simply known as Raphi who knows Gilles Thomas.

If anyone knows them then it may be worth checking on them.

This happened last night

http://www.dontkno...50629-gi0ar9.html/

It doesn't mention him being French - that's just the word going around.

Doug

Kurtis is fine.

Raph is fine.
Hopefully it was just a backpacker.
RiP anyway.

Posted by Doug Hopefully it was just a backpacker. RiP anyway.

What do you mean just a backpacker? Regardless if they're were a well known explorer or not, its still a human life lost.

Posted by Doug Raph is fine. Hopefully it was just a backpacker. RiP anyway.

I wouldn't 'hope' it was anyone.

Posted by mookster I wouldn't 'hope' it was anyone.

Yes, neither would I, but it WAS someone, so I was hoping it was not someone from the scene.

Posted by ktotakov. What do you mean just a backpacker? Regardless if they're were a well known explorer or not, its still a human life lost.

Yes he it was.
See my previous post.

I probably should have put this in the World section.

Posted by Doug I was hoping it was not someone from the scene.

I couldn't give a dead rats dick if its someone from "this scene" or not, its still a someone, who's family are now dealing with the authorities contacting them telling them the news.

It hits hard to home because I took Kurtis to the exact same location and we did the exact same thing.

Posted by ktotakov. I couldn't give a dead rats dick if its someone from "this scene" or not, its still a someone, who's family are now dealing with the authorities contacting them telling them the news. It hits hard to home because I took Kurtis to the exact same location and we did the exact same thing.

That's your opinion & fair enough too.
I do give a dead rats dick if it's someone in this scene.

I never said anything about not feeling for the victim & his family.

The fact is someone died - end of story. I hoped that it wasn't one of us.

If he was still alive I would be hoping he pulls through.
If he turns out to be known on here then I will feel for the people that knew him.

In regards to it hitting home, every time there's a death I can't help but picture it happening to me or a friend.
The recent drain death (also in Brisbane) was shocking & I've been in similar situations.

I've had a mother phone me asking if I might be able to find her son who may have found a safe spot, knowing well that her son was dead.

Each year I do a tribute for CC members in Australia that have passed away which included a memorial in one of the main drains (dick heads have vandalised it a few times).

I have nothing but deepest sympathy for people that have to go through the passing of loved ones.
Last month my brother's wife simply died on the spot while holding her 6 week old grandson (her first grandchild). It has torn my brother's family apart.

If you want an apology for the way I wrote it, then I'm sorry, but keep in mind I'd just found out the two French explorers were ok so I was relieved. I then thought I should say something in case it was someone on here and me being so about it.

Anyway, I'll leave it to you.

Cheers
Doug

Let's not let a single poorly chosen phrase derail this thread, guys. Thank you.

Posted by Emperor Wang Let's not let a single poorly chosen phrase derail this thread, guys. Thank you.

Yes.

"Hopefully it wasn't anyone from the urbex scene", may have caused a less drama.

rip man. i feel for the family.


yet another reason why i stay on the ground.

That's what protective gear if for but many most people will not use it until something happens and then it's too late.

I've reached out to my friend at explorationurbaine.com. Thanks for the heads up on this. These guys hosted me in France and are an excellent crew. Waiting to hear back...
-freeside

Update,
Friends at Explorationurbaine.com have confirmed no involvement, although they had been on the crane prior to this incident and reported it relatively safe (as these things go).

As our exciting hobby grows in popularity, I expect to see more of this. If you're just starting out on this kind of thing, take it slowly, gain your confidence in climbing/balancing somewhere safe and work your way up to bigger stuff. Better yet, use fall protection.

My condolences to the backpacker's friends and family.
-free

Good to hear.
I haven't heard anymore at this end.

http://www.brisban...150701-gi2bbz.html

Police believe he may have been scaling the crane for fun and the death has been linked to the increasingly popular urban exploration, or urbex, trend.

Mr Boutaut hails from Montpellier, a small city on France's Mediterranean coast.