In the middle of this dicussion, let us not forget that one man has lost his life (and possibly two more have). Three families are greiving and we should respect their privacy - the pictures belong with the family. People who criticize these men for their decisions should take a step back and realize that there is no certainty in life. Everytime we step out of the door, we are at risk - just imagine the people who have been hit and killed by a drunk driver on their way to work or the grocerry store. Stop the blame game and allow these families to grieve.

My sister and I hang glided my brothers ashes over the Snake river at Ten Mile near Asotin, Wa. on Easter Sunday 1984. Rick (Ankney) died 46 days after breaking his neck in a gliding accident. We had already lost my infant daughter and our 46 y.o. father (cancer). Ila and I and the rest of the family wanted to celebrate Rick's indominatable spirit, his risk taking, adventerous side. His life had been difficult in many ways and he had found a way to love life, bring forth that love and sharing it with others in ways he may not have otherwise been able to do. Our mother stood thousands of feet below watching trepeditiously, yet proudly, as we spilled him into that beautiful river. That day I learned why he loved to fly in such an ininhibited fashion I still have dreams of such flight. Ila just died, saving her pets from her burning house. She had no human children. Shall I criticize her for loving those pets so much that she would go back into that house to save them? No. I once had to do the same to save my autistic son who, at the age of six, set our home on fire. He went back in the house to hide under his blankets in his room. My neighbor (a hero) and I went back in to find him. Within seconds of walking out that same door, it slammed shut and the fire exploded and melted almost everything inside, and then just quit. We barely made it out. I understand why she tried; why we must try. This saying speaks to me: Those who hear not the music, think the dancer mad... (Unknown author) My heart aches for the family and friends of these men. They are in the prayers of my family (my daughter is married to Mack Strong, FB Seahawks). WE ALL are praying.

Hi Stephanie, Palo Alto. You must have missed your posting in the shuffle. Your original comments were published at 5:56:08 p.m.

The pictures belong to the families. If they feel it will not help them to heal by sharing them with the media and ultimately to us. I support them. It has nothing to do with being selfish. It may have a lot to do with hurting them more to allow the last pictures to be viewed by all. Different people have different ways they heal. Bottom line is the pictures that show these friends together for the last time are sole property of the families, and it is their right to release them or not release them.

A lot of previous posts mention "winter" or "dead of winter". Look at your calenders people. Winter has not begun yet, and the "dead of winter" is the end of January and the beginning of February. And keep your finger pointing to yourselves when you want to condem the dead for something you think they did was wrong. It was a tragity (whether they were right or wrong). Let's learn from the mistakes of others, and keep self righteous opinions to one's own self.

Let us see the pictures - what harm can it possibly do? It may just well help us to understand and to bond more with those friends and families of the climbers who chose their own destiny. I took the last photo of my 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter who I also pulled from the bottom of a pool and who I also held on to as she breathed her last breath. The photo I took of her is one of her waiting for the July 4th fireworks - she looks so calm and complacent - a far cry from the little extremely active child she was. I have this photo on my desk along with other pictures of my family and have shared the photo and the story of her tragic and untimely death with whomever questioned and simply wanted to know what happened. Sharing helped me to heal. Talking about it and sharing my story has help me to understand what happened, how it happened, and how fate intervened - however, she died doing what she loved. She loved the water, and when and where she went in at, there was no one to tell her "No". My father also died a year earlier working at the job he loved as well. My Marine son is heading to the middle east for a 4th time in as many years - he too is doing what he loves.

The world watched and worried along with the climbers friends and family as rescue attempt were feverishly made - we also prayed for their safety and that of the the rescue team as well.

TO the families: The pictures taken weren't of their death, but of their life and doing what they loved most. Take your time to grieve, but share with us to help us understand what happend as well. These men captured our attention and hearts. We've prayed with you and are grieving with you - help us to heal, too.

Opinions opinions opinions. First let's consider the responsibilities to one's kids and spouse. If people are going to say to those with kids "no high risk activities because you are married with kids". Then no high risk jobs to take care of them either where your life is at risk every day you are on the job (IE: Police, Firefighters, Military, Transportation, Construction, Ironworkers - the list goes on and on). Risk is risk, and the above jobs put one at risk far more often than the mountaineer who goes on a few trips a year. But that makes it Okay in the minds of so many because it is a job. We can all come up with analogies and presumptions forever. Like a previous post, so many want to be callous and pick at the had nots, did nots and would nots these men went with. And speak of "lessons learned", or speak of staying home to commit suicide as though they are the know it alls who make no mistakes. And it being tantamount to saying it serves them right because of resentment over money that has been spent in the efforts to find these men. That's wrong and cruel. People like that do not amuse me. Certainly I agree with conforming to rules that must be followed like permits, checking in and out with the ranger station (I did this with Mt. St Helens for one example), and carrying the required gear. This is however, one of those unfortunate accidents that cause too many to become too self righteous in their frustrations.

The autopsy says no dislocation or arm injury (www.kgw.com). James died of dehydration and hypothermia. That tells me that the cause of death was completely preventable. Truly sad for the families.

I would like to see the pictures as well. Maybe to find out exactly how much supplies they brought with them. Maybe to still hold out a glimmer of hope that maybe they are still alive. It is very sad for the 3 families for what they have endured. Yet I cannot help wonder why some people love the challenges against nature? For someone who doesn't know anything about climbing like me knows that during the winter time it is just a bad idea to climb Mt. Hood. I don't understand how they could planned for a 2 day climb during this time of the year. It is sad to think that they miscalculated plan caused their lives and changed their families' lives as well.

My great aunt climbed Mt Hood with a group of climbers over 80 years ago and I'll never forget how she told the story to me as a youngster and how she saved the lives of some climbers whom had lost their footing. At any rate,those who pursue this type of adventure must know the risks involved and having said that, I don't beleive the risk factor will ever hinder those who want this type of adventure.

It's very interesting to me that my post from an hour and a half ago didn't make the 'cut' of being published in this forum. I knew immediately that mentioning Hurricane Katrina would be cause for 'the powers that be' to not including my comments. No one wants to remember the thousands of under privilleged Americans that were subjected to harsh conditions of survival that were beyond thier control. Instead, let's glorify the search and recovery efforts, and subsequent loss of three men that foolishly CHOSE to climb a mountain in a blizzard. Something they didn't HAVE to do.

So much for 'fair and balanced' coverage of people's true thoughts and comments.

if we can spend tax dollars to pay for medicaid babies to be born we can certainly use tax dollars to pay for a rescue effort

These climbers were not cooperating with ANY rules - not acquiring a permit, not even telling the Park Service a thing about their plans, not carrying a locator unit or simple global positioning system - they were emboldened to pursue this trip up this particular mountain in the dead of winter because they did not want ANYONE telling them they could not do so. They were "elite" RULE BREAKERS who besides not caring to file a plan, get a permit or reconsider their plans due to impending BAD weather reports,they also negligently cost the State of Oregon and/or the Federal Government hundreds of thousands of dollars and for what? Their now cold bodies? I am not amused. If they wanted to commit suicide they should have stayed in Texas or New York. Lesson learned.

To a previous post who claims I do not know what it is like to have a wife or kids. Yes, I do! You are just another example of one who assumes one has this experience, does not have that, or knows nothing of whatever else. I agree with doing what we need to do to take care of those dependant on us. But I do not agree with locking ourselves up and not pursuing what we want to do and have every right to do so. Life is a risk. If the whole world thought as you do throughout all time past, we'd still be in the old country.

we are all so quick to judge - who says they were'nt safe when they started out. . . "mile in my shoes" I am sure that they families gave them their blessings to leave - love is letting others go even though they don't want to. . . respect and love!!!! we need to do more

Dear Kerry Sanders,
I'm appalled that you would write an article with such a lack of empathy and disregard to the families who lost (or may have lost) their loved ones on Mt. Hood.
Urging the family to show photos of their loved ones as they set out on their climbing expedition was so heartless, unfeeling, rude, and downright wrong, I can't believe your article was even considered.
Shame on you. Go pick on someone your own size.

My thoughts and prayers are with each of the families. And my thanks are with the searchers. It takes special people to put their life on the line for strangers. God Bless All!

I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place on Mount Hood. I feel that a human life is worth all the tax dollars I have to give whether or not the life involved chose to climb that mountain or not. All of the families involved deserve closure. I too would like to see a picture of the men in their prime, but feel that the decision is ultimately up to the family. Those pictures are very private and if they choose not to show them, we should understand. My prayers continue to be with the families and the two men that remain on the mountain.

I am so sorry for the mens families. Why do we as Oregonians not have a law that anyone who decides to climb any mountain not be required to carry a beacon? It would save many lives, not to mention the cost and safety of so many other people. I understand they can be purchased for about $5.00. Please anyone listening to this tragedy should think not only of themselves, but of those who risk thier lives in trying to locate and save them. May their families hopefully try to educate others who enjoy this activity. My thoughts are with you, Milli Brown

The families invited us all into this story with virtually no lines drawn - now they want a line?

At some point we'll all see the pictures, likely in some network news program or book deal. Then we'll discover that the respect the families were really asking for was the opportunity for exclusive rights.

To the previous post: you have no understanding of what it is like to be a father or husband. Your life is totaly different once that happens. You have one job in this world to return to your family everynight! We must do whatever it takes to take care of them, just James Kim tried to do! It is the single most important thing you have to do each day. You live for your kids NOT a extreme experiance!

It seems that all the opinions have been covered but I tend to agree, for all anyone cares, with those who think more of the families than the climbers. All my life I had a passion to fly. By the time I could afford it, I had two children. In my opinion, this cancelled any desires on my part because of the danger of leaving them fatherless. It's great to do "what one loves to do", but let's not forget those depending on us for their well-being.
Russ - Trussville, AL

I have been watching the news reports closely in regards to the three hikers missing on Mt. Hood, Kelly James-Brian Hall-Jerry Cooke, and have been moved by the resolve and testimony of the families and the "Hope" and "Optimism" they display. Normally I would be watching & thinking...wow, that's unfortunate... having NO CLUE what it must really be like, simply because I am so far removed from the actual situation. This one is different for me. I feel a genuine sorry for the family and friends of these hikers. Chances are we are all aware of the story and what's going on now, and the discovery of Kelly James' body on Sunday. What has been intriguing is that James' body was found on a side of Mt. Hood where they refer to it as "The Pearly Gates." Why I find this interesting is because after hearing from James' Pastor, family and friends it is very clear this man was a christian and that being the case, he did in fact pass into the Pearly Gates for eternity. From doing "what" you love to seeing "Who" you love! My heart and prayer still goes out to the 2 other hiker's and I do hope they find them alive and well.

Of course we should attempt a rescue for each and evert person that goes up that mt. rescue attempts are made every day in different forms ie drug alchol interventions. money is soent in all different ways in the taxpayer system. we should be glad to live in a country that respects each persons personal goals and asperations and is will to back them up. this country wouldnt be were it is today without risk takers they are the very foundation this coutry is built on.we sould mourn the loss of these men and support the wishes of the families.

I have not read all these comments. I just have to say, that at the beginning of this tragedy, the family expressed how smart these fellows were. I am thinking, not very. Unfortunately they put their families and the nation in a state of mourning to satisfy their thrill of adventure without a "smart" thought as to the chance of bad weather in the winter on a mountain in the northwest. HELLO!