Condolences for Jonathan Morrow & Alan Mooney
Yesterday, I posted the sad news that two climbers died after they fell near the top of Grand Teton. When I hear tragic news like this, I often wonder about the families. How are they coping? Even more, I wonder about the victims. How did they live? What legacy will they leave behind? Most of the time, the answers to my questions go unanswered. But, not this time.
One of the climbers was identified as Alan Mooney, 38, an accomplished climber and skier, who worked as an architect with HandsOn Design. He was fluent in Japanese and taught capoeira. The other climber, Jonathan Morrow, 28, was an avid hiker and adventurer who worked with the High Mountain Group at Teton Pines. How did Jonathan live? I think his brother, Josh Morrow, said it best. In response to my original post, he left the following comment:
Jonathan Morrow is my brother. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Jonathan was an amazing person who brought joy to everyone around him. He died doing what he loved the most, and I'm sure that he wouldn't have it any other way. He accomplished so much in the short 28 years of his life. He completed the Appalachian Trail, he hiked the Continental Divide Trail, he lived in Antarctica for two six month periods, He hiked and climbed all around South American and New Zealand. He was passionate about life and he lived every day to the fullest living his dreams. Jonathan will always have a special place in the hearts of all those that knew him.
Josh, on behalf of myself and the entire Outdoor Weblog community, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers. Jonathan sounded like a truly amazing person.
If you would like to leave your own condolences for the Morrow and Mooney families, please leave a comment.
~admin
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thought on
Terah,
Thank you for your condolences, thoughts, and prayers. I sincerely appreciate it. Kind words like this go a long way to make it easier to deal with such a tragic loss.
Josh: Please tell your father that the employees of PSNC Energy are very sadden to learn of your brother’s passing. I am fellow rock climber and it is very saddening to hear of such a tragic event such as this. We often feel like brothers and sisters when we are together in the wilderness because of this sport. You have my deepest sympathy.
Josh, I’ve never met you, but my roommate is Stephanie Ehrenreich. I remember John when he was in middle school. My entire family will be praying for you and yours!
My best friend growing up from 4 yrs old to this day was one of Jonathan Morrow’s younger brothers. I’ve known Jonathan that long as well and can say he was one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. The world suffered a great loss this week.
He was so down-to-earth, friendly, and had a zest for life that would take days of writing to describe accurately. He had a bigger than life personality that touched a TON of people. In many ways, he was like a big brother. His family was and still to this day is my second family and for that I am very very grateful. I remember all of my friends used to emulate him when we were younger because we thought he was the coolest guy ever. I bought my first Doc Martens because of him!!
I admired him very much for chasing his dreams and in a lot of instances seeing those dreams materialize into reality. How much he will be missed by his friends and especially his family cannot be put into words.
I will be able to take solace in the fact, though, that his infectious smile, great personality, and some awesome memories will be etched into my mind forever. He will always hold a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten. Please continue to keep the Morrows in your thoughts and prayers.
Morrow and I lived in boone together. At times when everything could collapse on you, he was already offering a hand and a head-scratching joke. I miss you John.
Jonathan was a great person, very upset to hear the news. My prayers are with the Morrow family.
Matt C.
I grew up with Jonathan in Gastonia, NC. He did and will continue to amaze me in all he did. He accomplished goals many would never even consider. I thank him for our time together and his friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family, Friends and anyine lucky enough to cross paths with Mr. Jonathan D. Morrow. I’m going to miss you my friend.
I grew up with Jonathan in Gastonia, NC I have known Jonathan and his parents for 22 years. I have memories of Jonathan and one was his personality and the other is when he would come over to swim in our pool. Jonathan died doing what he loved to do and that was climb. We all need to remember that we’re not telling Jonathan good bye but see you later!
Jennifer M.
I meant to mention that there is a website in memory of Jonathan. His brother Josh is doing this and he said the site adddress at the funeral but I didn’t get it; so if anyone knows the website address of it or if Josh sees this I hope that he will post it.
Jennifer M.
http://jonathan-morrow.memory-of.com
Jonathan was a child-hood friend of mine. He was a kind friend that put others first. When I was in the third grade, I passed him a note asking him if he liked me and to check “yes” or “no”, and being the kindhearted person he was he wrote in “maybe”. From that day on, he was my friend. May God bless and comfort the Morrow family in their time of grief.