The last post generated a lot of passionate feedback. Because so many people feel strongly about this tragedy and because many who responded seem to have known James personally (not the audience I expected for this blog,) I think a follow-up is in order.
The intention of the last post was not to cast James Kim as an idiot or a fool. Many commenters pointed out that the mistakes Kim made were the same kinds of mistakes many people would make. I agree. That, to me, is part of the tragedy of this situation; he was not uncommonly unprepared, the situation the Kims found themselves in was not a freak accident. In fact, it happened to another person that month as well.
One commenter said that I painted James as having “bumbled” his way along. That is close to what I meant. The fact is, most tragedies begin with a series of very small (difficult to notice) mistakes that add up to the point where there is very little a person can do to get out of the situation. James Kim was no idiot, but he did fall prey to this kind of cascading tree of errors, which is something even trained rescue professionals and outdoorsmen do from time to time.
The previous post was written primarily as a response to the words of Greg Hastings who was quoted in many news stories saying that, “James Kim did nothing wrong.” Such a claim is untrue and sets a dangerous precedent because it gives ordinary folks the impression that what happened to the Kims was a freak accident, something they couldn’t have avoided. For a safety professional like Hastings to say that is, I believe, quite irresponsible.
The post was NOT intended as some kind of armchair quarterback critique meant to show how enlightened and knowledgable I am. It was an attempt to use hindsight to draw lessons from a tragedy, so that future tragedies can be avoided.
I thank all who responded. I understand that this is an emotional issue for many. At the core of all the media drama lies incredible loss for real people and it is with that in mind that I hope tragedies like these can be avoided.
10 responses so far ↓
soccerman1960 // December 9, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Amen. Too many otherwise bright people place more faith in their intelligence and their technology than they do the often-superior forces of nature they flaunt in the process. With heartfelt sympathy to friends and loved ones of Mr. Kim who may be reluctant to hear it, it is absolutely right that we use his example to educate others, starting with the mistakes he made and the responsibility he bears for his own tragic death.
Prepared for winter, my car has a box of extra hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, water and high-energy foodstuffs to accompany a shovel, ice scraper, flares and traction mats. Whenever I drive in the mountains, even along main highways to popular destinations, I always make sure my route, destination and timing are shared with others before I leave, and confirmed when I arrive.
Lastly, and I sincerely hope I have the courage should I ever face the circumstances, I am resolved to stay with my vehicle until I am (hopefully) found. Statistically speaking, vehicles and those who stay with them are more often found before others who travel on foot attempting to find safety when lost deep in the wilderness. Even after all of Mr. Kim’s mistakes, making this one difficult choice would have made all the difference.
James Kim Did Everything Wrong « Adventure Watch // December 9, 2006 at 7:58 pm
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gallopingcurmudgeon // December 9, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Plenty of water in sizes that can be kept warm inside a jacket or coat, space blankets, and a 10-lb bag of high-quality cat food should be in every car right next to the chains and CB radio in the winter.
An emergency locator beacon is cheap, and another good addition.
Jim Kim was a good man, loved his family, was one helluva IT guru, and a good friend. Snide remarks belong with the wannabees. Those who can don’t have to put down others’ mistakes.
Adventure Watch // December 10, 2006 at 12:02 am
Calling something a mistake isn’t putting someone down. People need to learn the difference.
Rose Marie // December 10, 2006 at 3:14 am
I think this discussion has assumed an offensive tone. As one who has lived most of my life in Oregon, I’m appalled that National Guard helicopters are in Iraq and largely unavailable for rescue operations. There was so much bad luck involved in this that I ache for this family. Arm chair quarterbacking doesn’t help and sounds smug.
mydigest // December 10, 2006 at 9:49 am
I understood what you were saying the first time. I was wrong on my blog post which I shall delete in a minute.
I just want to add one thing. My siblings are crazy about wild places. I was infected a little when younger. My basic nature is to be a city guy.
The nearest I desire to be to non-city now is flying over it, or taking a train or bus through it. That is the first mistake: trusting that stuff outside city limits. Cy.
mydigest.wordpress.com
gregg // December 12, 2006 at 12:43 am
I am so glad someone had the courage to say this. It is very difficult to show any criticism of Mr. Kim this close to the incident, but it needed said in the name of public safety. I have been increasingly alarmed at the media saying things like “Mr. Kim was a hero.” I will never know what went through his mind and would never judge his actions. I am filled with sadness and sympathy for his family and their loss but the world needs to know that he did the wrong thing by leaving that vehicle. Always stay put when you are lost. People are looking for you.
Kyle Livings // December 12, 2006 at 1:54 am
You mean I shouldn’t drive down a completely dark road (clearly not a highway) at night in the middle of a snowstorm and then decide to drive an additional 20 miles off said road along a remote secondary gravel b4 admitting I made a mistake?? CNN is also reporting they passed 3 huge signs that said the road was impassable during heavy snow. Jesus, what arrogence.
Paula // December 12, 2006 at 9:58 am
I agree with Kyle. Mr. Kim should have been no where near a non-interstate highway in cold weather – let alone even close to a logging road.
A lot of people are blaming this incident on bad maps, bad signage and the vandal that unlocked the gate on the forest service road. This was just poor judgement – plain and simple. This whole thing could have been avoided if Mr. Kim turned his car around and took the interstate exit he missed in the first place.
IMO, driving at night in winter conditions is very risky even on the I-5.
I wouldn’t say Mr. Kim was arrogant. Many people make poor choices on the road – mostly due to being late and needing to get where they are going really quickly (which is why people drive at night on road trips…I mean it’s not fun…it’s done because people want to get where they are going fast or because they are too cheap for a hotel).
This is a sad tragedy that I think we can all learn from. RIP James Kim.
Marilyn // January 9, 2007 at 8:00 pm
To the one who wrote James Kim did everything wrong.
Thank you for writing that. It took guts. I totally agree with everything you said. He had allot of responsibility in this. Too bad it ended like it did. That’s the chance you take. No one said life is fair.
I just wish the media would have let the Kim family mourn in peace. Of course the media being what it is, we knew that wouldn’t happen.