As many readers know, a rockfall on the Lassen Peak Trail caused the death of a Red Bluff boy last month, leading to the closure of the upper portion of the Lassen Peak Trail.
Today’s Record Searchlight has a heart-rending first-person story of the event by the boy’s mother, Jennifer Botell. It brought tears to my eyes and made me think how precious life is and how grateful I am for all the people I love in this world.
My family and I have always been the type of family that enjoys the outdoors. We love to fish, camp and hike.
On July 29, our camping adventure turned into a family’s worst nightmare.
I got up that morning and packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars and water. Our goal for the day was to hike Lassen Peak Trail and have a nice picnic lunch at the top. My son, Tommy, grabbed his Ranger Rick binoculars. He wanted to see whether he could spot Red Bluff from the peak.
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I am have just read the mom’s personal account of this tragic day – how awful. As a mother of two young boys my heart truly hurts for this family. It was 2 years ago this month a mom I know was hiking with her two sons (ages 24 & 18) when they were caught in a severe thunderstorm. Her oldest was struck and killed by lightening as they tried to seek shelter. It is these stories that remind me how short & unexpected our lives are. Thank you for sharing your experience despite the pain – I am sorry for your loss.
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