Update, October 13, 2010:
I just got some first-hand info about how Dick is doing. All his surgery is done. Ankle was fairly minor, and as we’d heard he did have to have some of his vertebrae rodded. Lots of guys are enjoying the mountain life with backs fixed up like that, so we’re optimistic — and the word is that Dick is in good spirits. It’s said he’ll be home within a week, so that’s a good sign as well! “Action Jackson” is a tough and talented athlete, so rehab will probably go great.
Everyone, please leave an encouraging comment for Mr. Jackson, that kind of stuff is gold when you’re healing.
Original blog post, October 4, 2010
One of our old Aspen crew went down yesterday. Hard. Well known guide, alpinist and backcountry skier Dick Jackson is alive after crashing while paragliding off Mount Sopris here above Carbondale. But he’s hurting, with a messed up back and ankle, lots of surgery. Love and prayers to you, Dick! May you heal fast and make a 100% recovery. More here.
Dick Jackson backcountry skiing on Independence Pass, 2009. Dick, you'll be back doing this soon I'm sure! (click image to enlarge)
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
