Loganville’s Connection to the Mt. Everest Tragedy

As the world watched the tragedy unfold in Nepal in May 2012 when six climbers died on Mt. Everest, a Loganville couple had more of an interest than most – their grandson was on the mountain.

There is no doubt that the Warrens of Loganville are proud of their grandson – you can’t miss the light in the eyes of Ed Warren, chairman of the Loganville Planning and Zoning board, when he speaks about him.

“He leads such an interesting life,” Ed Warren said of his 31-year-old grandson, Brian Warren. “He’s a mountain guide and he’s always off to all these interesting places.”

But they were concerned in May when six people died while climbing Mt. Everest. They knew, however, that although he was on the mountain, their grandson had the necessary expertize to be there. Brian Warren presently holds IFMGA/AMGA Aspirant status, is a qualified Wilderness First Responder, has a Leave No Trace Masters and Avalanche III certification. He was well qualified to aid in the rescues. Having just completed another expedition, Warren was still in Nepal at the time of the tragedy.

“I was able to assist with a number of the rescues,” Warren said, adding it was the reason that he was there, however, that is closest to his heart. Warren had just returned from the summit of Mt. Everest after leading a group of wounded British veterans up the mountain.

“It’s called Walking with the Wounded and (HRH) Prince Harry is the Patron,” Warren said. “The purpose is to help raise funds for the veterans and to help integrate them back into civilian life. Some of them are amputees and some have other traumatic injuries. I’m so amazed at the integrity of these guys.”

According to the Walking with the Wounded website, the organization was founded in 2010, not only to help raise funds and re-train returning wounded British soldiers, but also to show the courage and inspiration that these men and women continue to display.

“During the course of these operations, many young men and women also suffer horrific injuries. When they return home they face a very different future to the one they had planned and with challenges they never imagined,” the website reads. “Too often, however, we feel that our wounded are viewed with pity and sorrow. They don’t want this, but they do need our support. We want to champion them, to show people how remarkable they are, and show how they face their future with the same courage and determination, which they demonstrate on the front line. They do still achieve amazing things.”

It is in achieving those amazing things that Warren lends his expertise. A highly qualified climber and guide on the mountain as well as a ski guide on the slopes, Warren leads veterans on expeditions to some of the most extreme summits. He has the expertize to do this through the many other organizations with which he is contracted.

"I’m a mountain guide with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides as well as several others,” Warren said. The “several others” run into quite a long list. These include:

• Alpenglow Expeditions
• Himalayan Experience
• Skiers Lodge
• American Mountain Guides Association
• American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
• Walking With the Wounded
• Big City Mountaineers
• Bay Area Wilderness
• Summit for Someone
• One Eyed Bird Productions
• Brain Farm Productions

In describing Warren, Jackson Hole list him as a very passionate climber, skier and mountain guide who has been climbing for more than 13 years. During that time he has climbed in Jackson Hole, WY, the Pacific Northwest and the European Alps in the winter months, Alaska, Canada, South America and the Himalaya. He also reportedly completed a ski mountaineering traverse enchaining the East Face of the Grand Teton, the Chounaird Couloir of the Middle Teton and the South East Couloir of the South Teton.

Although he no longer lives in Georgia, Warren grew up in Stone Mountain before taking off on his world travels. He said the lifestyle doesn’t really make for settling down with a family, but he does have a girlfriend who has to put up with him taking off at a moment’s notice. In fact, he’s already packed and ready to leave again Sunday.

“I’m heading to Africa,” Warren said. “I have some trips planned on Kilimanjaro.