bobby model gravely injured in capetown

He survived 60 straight days on Trango Tower, putting up Cowboy Direct, a 5.13 and the world’s first Grade VII free climb), and extensive warzone photography, but Bobby Model is fighting to survive after a serious injury – made the more distressing because it was deliberate.

Bobby, 34, adventure photographer and longtime climber and first ascentionist, was hit in the head by a cement block thrown through the windshield of his vehicle in Cape Town, South Africa. A past resident of Cody, Wyoming, Model was visiting from his current home base in Kenya, traveling with his sister Faith, who was driving but unhurt, and her partner, Hans Pieter Bakker of South Africa. They were hit in the vicinity of the impoverished township of Khayelitsha.

The latest posting from his sister Faith, received on June 19, reads:

Dear All,

I will write a more detailed email tomorrow, but just want to let everyone
know that Bobby had another scan yesterday and there wasn't a great deal of new information. He remains stable, but still in a coma. I do want to tell you, however, that when I read him excerpts from the supertopo forum or emails received, I really feel that not only is he listening and enjoying, but that he is so deeply touched by everyone's concern, love and thoughts and he especially likes the little stories. Please keep your hopes and prayers high--higher than ever.

I wish there were words that could accurately convey our deepest
appreciation for all the support we're receiving. And I wish we could
respond to each and every message, but as that's not possible at the moment, please know that we are ever grateful for all of you.

I know Bobby is sending big hugs and lots of love, as are we.

Many many thanks and much love,

Faith



A previous email from Faith had read:

Bobby had a tracheotomy today, which reduces the
irritation in his throat and makes it easier to
suction. It's also better not to have tubes invading
his mouth and throat. The bruising on his face is
receding and he looks much better. He was off the
ventilator and breathing on his own today, but his
lungs got a bit tired and they put him back on for
tonight. He may be able to breathe on his own again
tomorrow, however. He does have a secondary lung
infection, but the doctors are addressing this.

Again, your deep affection, support and powerful
hope
have brought us all to tears and I know Bobby is
touched beyond words. Thank you so much for all your
messages, which we constantly pass on to Bobby.

My brother's strength is palpable, but i also see
that he is resting, which is so important for the healing
process. Sending love and endless thanks from all of us,
particularly Bobby,

Faith

The Trango ascent was with a team led by Todd Skinner, killed last year in Yosemite, and included Steve and Jeff Bechtel and Bill Hatcher. An image of Bobby Model appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine. Last year the National Geographic Society named him one its “emerging explorers” for "dynamic personalities who are making a significant contribution to world knowledge through exploration."

See

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=395013

and see Bobby Model's own vibrant images at http://www.bobbymodel.com/ and a collage of images at http://www.rockandice.com/pdfs/ModelMontage.pdf