Monty stoically awaiting a helicopter Medivac from Everest Base Camp
Moments ago I learned of the death of a good friend and 2008 Everest teammate, Monty Smith. He took his own life just days before his 49th birthday for reasons that I’ll likely never know. He was the perpetual optimist, the constant conversationalist and one of the most outwardly enthusiastic people I’ve ever known. He was a successful businessman, a life-saving mountain rescue leader, and a dedicated family man.
He and I shared considerable adversity at the completion of our time on Everest together: I had ruptured a disc in my low back and had to limp down from Camp III, and he had a fluke nosebleed in the cold, dry air of extreme altitude. In the course of a few hours at Camp II (21,500 feet above sea level), he bled out perhaps 20% of his blood volume before we could get it slowed down.
Monty en route to the clinic in Kathmandu
I was thankful to Monty for three important reasons: for the shared friendship and shared regret of missing out on the summit together, and for a ride back to Kathmandu in his Medivac helicopter (instead of a 36 mile trek with a crippled back). I always assumed he’d eventually make his way back to Everest to “finish the job,” as he was an extremely accomplished mountaineer, but this was unfortunately not to be…
Monty and I celebrating our expedition at the world-famous Rum Doodle with an Everest beer, as I'll always fondly remember him
I’ve never understood what would prompt someone to take their own life, particularly someone as broadly accomplished and positive as Monty was. I’m so very thankful to have known him, and my prayers go out to his family and other friends.
Life certainly has its ups and downs, but on average it should be a great celebration. If you’re having trouble seeing this, please seek out the help of friends or counselors.
Your many, many friends will miss you very much, Monty. Climb on.
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Monty’s Obituary is inspiring: Monty Smith obituary
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June 16th, 2010 - 8:00 pm
Scott,
I am touched by this post, particularly the last comment about seeking out help from friends.
When I was a senior in high school, one of my good friends chose to end his own life just weeks before graduation. No one saw it coming. He was an outwardly happy person, went to youth group every week, raced bicycles with my brother and I, and was academically ahead of his peers. He had good potential to be whatever he wanted to be. His parents were married, happy and loving to him in every way they could care for him. Needless to say, we were all stunned.
For some reason, which I and others will never understand, he was blind to that love, that potential, and unable to see the great person that he was. He had high expectations for himself and who he wanted to become, yet the dream of who he wanted to be was apparently unattainable in his mind.
It made me realize that those who seem to be so accomplished and so talented still need to be reminded that they are great, and be supported by those around them. The very thing that drives them to be successful is what brings them to their knees when they place high expectations on themselves.
For you, and Monty’s family and friends, please take care of each other as you face the questions that come naturally in the pain of this situation. In his memory, remember to provide everyone around you the love and care they may or may not be asking for, just because…just in case.
Bottom line is humans need love….constantly, consistently.
June 16th, 2010 - 10:42 pm
I’m so sorry, Scott.
June 17th, 2010 - 1:04 am
wow, scott, that is very sad. i am sure his family is devastated and his friends are in shock. luckily, i survived two suicide attempts, i was clinically depressed from watching my marriage disintegrate from the intrusion of a fellow female cyclist from our little bike club into my immediate family. i had severe co-dependence plus the cultural baggage of growing up a traditional hispanic female. i didn’t have the first clue of how to stop the runaway train. it was a long road back, i must have cried for 4 solid years after the divorce, more from losing our close family unit than true love. the divorce triggered my bipolar and thank god for social security disability and the life force. i am sure you will find ways to remember him on the many climbs you yet have in you, i’m sure his spirit has gone to the mountains that he loved and that he climbed. i pray that his family weather the sad event. best, anna martina
June 17th, 2010 - 6:54 pm
Rest in peace, and prayers to him and his family.
Brenda Pulido.
Monterrey, Mexico.
June 18th, 2010 - 7:23 pm
I want to say something but do not know what to say. Everest, Rum Doodle Bar, Everest Beer, Kathmandu …. I would have met him in 2008 had it not been for Chinese Olympics BS …
June 19th, 2010 - 4:47 pm
0n a happier note, have a WONDERFUL Father’s Day:-) your father did good (and your mother, of course) raising you, so blessings to them, as well.