Ben and Laura

November 6th, 2008 by Paul Vidal

The Red River Gorge climbing community mourns the loss of two of its own. Ben Strohmeier, 18, of Hebron, KY, and Laura Fletcher, also 18, of Brownsburg, IN were killed in a climbing accident on Monday, November 3, 2008. The accident was due to an equipment failure.

Ben and Laura will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.

A memorial service is planned at the base of Whiteout in Emerald City (part of Lady Slipper) at the Red River Gorge on Friday, November 7 from 3-5pm. Miguel’s will be closed during this time.

Benjamin E. Strohmeier of Hebron, KY. He was 18. Laura Fletcher of Brownsburg, IN. She was also 18.
Benjamin E. Strohmeier of Hebron, KY, and Laura Fletcher of Brownsburg, IN. They were both 18. A memorial is planned for Friday from 3-5pm at the base of Whiteout at Emerald City.

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7 Responses to “Ben and Laura”

  1. Woodchuck Says:
    November 6th, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    I only knew Ben in person recently, and he was always a good time, full of fun, energetic and eager to talk climbing with anyone at Miguels. A truly great guy with lots of superb friends who will miss him dearly.

  2. Bill Strachan Says:
    November 7th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    A sobering time for all. Our condolences go out to the families and to all of their friends within the climbing community.

  3. John May Says:
    November 8th, 2008 at 9:24 pm

    I didn’t know Ben or Laura personally but as a result of this accident, they will forever be a part of my life. My sympathies to their family and friends.

  4. Sean Amir Freeman Says:
    November 9th, 2008 at 7:07 pm

    Our sympathies and condolences to their family and friends. You will be missed and always remembered by other climbers.

    From Climber community at Columbus, Ohio

  5. Scattered Thoughts » Epic Climbing Adventure of 2009 Says:
    November 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am

    [...] a sadder note, on November 3, two climbers were killed in a gear-related accident. It happened in the Red River Gorge, KY at a region called Emerald City. I first heard about the [...]

  6. Cindy Savino Says:
    November 10th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    There is really nothing to say when something like this happens. Ben was a great kid. Full of energy, always positive, and pursuing his passions. Living down at the Red and working at Miquels, I know he was loving life. Bottom line is, Ben had a good heart. He got that from his mom, Melinda, and he will be missed.

  7. Patrick Jones Says:
    December 31st, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    I’m not a climber, but very passionate about the RRG area. I’m sure during one of my many meals at Miguel’s I likely brushed paths with Ben and/or Laura. Wouldn’t the ultimate honor be to name a first ascent a route and name it “BenandLaura”, or rename their favorite route after them. Just a thought. Godspeed and peace to all who travel these great lands.