Prominent Asheville Conservationist Dies in Climbing Accident

Kayah Gaydish, a champion of the outdoors and expert rock climber from Asheville, North Carolina, died Sunday, December 20, 2015, after a 50-foot fall from a cliff in the Hidden Valley Lake area of Washington County, Virginia. According to a statement released by the Washington County sheriff’s office, the accident occurred around 4 p.m.

In addition to her love for rock climbing, Gaydish, who was 36-years-old, was a tireless advocate for conservation efforts in Western North Carolina. As a Linville Gorge Wilderness Ranger for a conservation organization called Wild South, she put in many grueling hours locating and removing invasive plants from the famed wilderness area. She also served as a board secretary for the Carolina Cilmber’s Coalition.

I did not know Gaydish personally, but her works for conservation in WNC were known by anyone who has strapped on a pair of hiking boots. She walked the talk. Out nearly every weekend on some kind of project to make the wild places better for everyone, she was unflagging in her efforts to improve the quality of outdoors recreation.

What hurts even more is that she was so young. Many folks who are involved in conservation, or trail maintenance, or other wilderness volunteer activities tend to be grey-haired and round-bellied. She was a bridge to the next generation coming up, and had been triggering an interest in those who can carry the message forward. She will be dearly missed by friends and family, and by the entire conservation community.

Read more here…

 

Updated December 22, 2015: From her friends at Wild South:

It is with great sadness that I report the loss of one of our beloved staff members, Kayah Gaydish. Kayah died on Sunday, December 20, in a climbing accident near Abingdon, Virginia. This remarkable young woman was the North Carolina Conservation Coordinator for Wild South and worked tirelessly as a wilderness advocate and volunteer for a variety of organizations. She was the epitome of a champion for the environment and is remembered as a smart, strong and compassionate person who was excellent at her two favorite things – being a mom and protecting the environment.

We are all grieving the loss of this talented friend and co-worker. A fund has been created and all of the money donated will go directly to the family to aid her two surviving teenage children. If you wish to make a contribution, you can visit www.youcaring.com/kayahgaydish.

 

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