2023, North Wash, Utah, USA
All lady guides trip this year
4
2013, Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado, USA
An insanely deep pre-season Wolf Creek day. Elyse had an itch to become a mountain sports professional back when this photo was taken in 2013. I admire how within a decade she became a total rockstar- member of Telluride Ski Patrol, guide in AK, incredible climber and more. I will miss seeing you on the mountain and around town friend.
3
2023, Chugach Range, Alaska, USA
4
Dear Kathy and the rest of her family, I am so sorry that vibrant Elyse is tragically gone. May the mountains that she loved comfort you as well.
3
2023, San Juan River, United States
Elyse and I dropped everything to run a last minute, ridiculously low water river trip in wooden boats. This picture was taken while she was telling me she wants to write an apocalyptic movie where people live wild in abandoned house boats left behind from lake Powell. Love you so so much my favorite Elyse-y. 🌊🚣♀️❤️
4
I am saddened to hear you’ve left us. You were such a funny and kind bright light with big goals, breaking the norm and always pushing yourself. Fly free and send those big lines in the sky. ❤️
2
Indian Creek, Utah, USA
The creek. As Tiger Pussy and Disco Pussy took form.
— with
Kelys,
Yonder Mountain Dog,
Tiger Pussy
and Disco Pussy
5
There is no way to express in words how devastating this is, such a tragedy. I only hope that your family may find peace in the wonderful memories you shared, and to keep her memory alive so long as you live within your hearts. My heart goes out to you during this time ❤️
1
I am so,so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news.
3
Dear Kathy & Bob - I am so devastated by this tragic news, and thinking of you with care and love. What a wonderful human you brought into this world in Elyse - all of us will miss her and the stories of her crazy escapades. Thank you for sharing her with us. ❤️❤️.
2
We were so lucky to have the privilege of knowing Elyse. Our heartfelt condolences to all who loved her, especially her family who have allowed Elyse to be the beautiful person she was.
2
The desert is beyond foreign to a 10 year-old kid from Minnesota, but Elyse (at roughly 7?) was a confident, fearless guide who wanted to share her love for and knowledge of that land.
Some things don't change, eh?
We visited Lake Powell while I was in the great southwest- renting a houseboat and sleeping on the roof. On one of the stops, Bob hiked up some rocks near an amphitheater where he'd whistled bird songs for us. Elyse followed, then me at the rear- tanned and pasty ducklings. I remember Garfield graffiti at the top carved into the flat tops. We milled around, and I was floored by the water and rocks and rocks and rocks.
Then Bob says, "this is the way down!" and takes off running down the dune slope, yelling something about not stepping on snakes as he zigged and zagged.
Without hesitation, Elyse followed - bouncing and laughing- then was on the shore with him. Mine was a much slower descent.
That moment was the first time -and not the last- that I realized she was the bravest person I'd ever met. The joy Elyse carried when meeting the world around her was effervescent and contagious.
What and absolutely incredible power that girl carried with her from the start.
5
What a terrible loss we are heartbroken for her family
Paul and Polly Mitchell
3