Joe Bartels hiking injury

[HAZDevTeam]

On Saturday June 10 while hiking in northern Arizona, Joe fell from a rock outcropping along the trail.

He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center before being transferred to Phoenix.

Joe is currently in serious but stable condition undergoing treatment for numerous broken bones and internal injuries.

There are many questions for which we do not currently have answers. We will post further details on his condition and recovery when doctors are able to provide them.

We know that HAZ is a close-knit community and appreciate the many thoughts and prayers from those of you who have made this website such a valuable resource in Arizona and beyond.

At this time Joe’s family has asked for privacy. Contact from well-wishers is appreciated but overwhelming. Please refrain at this time.

Joe was hiking with HAZ members who assisted with his care until first responders arrived on scene. Other hikers in the same area at the time provided important help. We are very grateful for all those who participated in his rescue. This has been a difficult several days for those involved, so we ask you to not inundate them with messages or questions.

Now, a few notes about the website.
Please don’t PM Joe at this time. He does not have access to HAZ in the hospital.

Technical issues may still be reported using the regular reporting buttons at the bottom of each page. Note that responses to these inquiries will take longer than usual.

This thread is locked because we would prefer not to have a thread full of comments, well-wishes, or discussion at this time. Please do not start a new thread or comment elsewhere on the site. We will provide an avenue for this in the coming days.

If you have urgent questions you may PM @HAZDevTeam but a response is not guaranteed and/or may take some time.

We will post updates here on the HAZ Forum in the days ahead.
We may also utilize the HikeArizona.COM Facebook page to post updates and information:

Thank you for your thoughts and support, patience and understanding at this challenging time and join us in wishing Joe a full and speedy recovery.

[HAZDevTeam]

Update:
Joe’s recovery is moving forward and he has made progress over the past couple of days.

This afternoon doctors fused two fractured cervical vertebrae in his neck and the surgery was a success.

This was the first of a couple of surgical procedures he will have to go through in the next couple of weeks. The next one is planned for Monday, but we have learned these past few days that hospital schedules change frequently, so we don't want to say Monday for certain.

To address questions some have asked about the accident, Joe was conscious after the fall and successfully responsive to both verbal questioning and physical exercises. We are all encouraged by this. However, his injuries are serious and many challenges lie ahead.

We thank you for your continued support and encouragement, and look forward to providing you with an updated progress report next week.

In the News:
The Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (CCSSAR) posted a media release which was carried in a couple of Arizona newspapers. The original release linked here contains a couple of photos of the rescue and some of the team members who assisted, for whom we once again express our most sincere thanks!
[ 2023 Dead Link Removed ]

[HAZDevTeam]

Here's a brief Monday update:

Joe's condition continues to progress positively.

He is engaging in conversations with family and friends and they are encouraged that his trademark sense of humor is showing itself despite being confined to a hospital bed.

His next surgery has been pushed back a day or two, and we will add a post later in the week with a report on that.

He is anxious to get back to the website and appreciates all the well wishes.

Thank you for the continued positive thoughts and encouragement.

[HAZDevTeam]

Here's an update for those of you following along:

Joe's surgery on Tuesday was successful and should be the last one he needs. Friends and family who have been visiting regularly report that his day-to-day improvement is remarkable.

Yesterday was a great day where he was able to get out of his bed and walk a bit outside in the heat!

Doctors are waiting for him to reach a couple of benchmarks before releasing him to rehab, but we are hopeful that will happen soon.

Thanks again for all the well-wishes!

[HAZDevTeam]

On Monday night Joe moved from the hospital to a rehab facility where he is excited to have a window view of Piestewa Peak!

He was ecstatic to get a change of scenery and rehab offers a much quieter atmosphere for rest and recovery. His activities change daily based on the therapy assigned by doctors, but he is going to the gym daily and working on both cognitive and physical exercises.

Several people have asked about the ability to send him a card. He is very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support he has received over the past two weeks and would welcome cards.

You may mail them to:
Joe Bartels
PO Box 451
Scottsdale, AZ 85252

Additionally, we are going to unlock this thread to allow posts of well wishes here. He has a laptop in his room and despite very slow wifi he has access to the website so he will be able to read the posts here when he has the time and energy to do so.

Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement.

[RedRoxx44]

Joe hurry up and get better---- the 10 Nevers of Physical Therapy--



1. Never say, “its easy” because we’ll just make it harder

2. Never say, “I want to go home” because you’ll stay longer

3. Never lose count because you’ll have to start at one again

4. Never complain because we never listen

5. Never argue because you’ll never win

6. Never scream or cry because it only encourages us

7. Never look like you’re enjoying it because we’ll put a stop to it

8. Never say, “I can’t” because you’ll do it anyway

9. Never hold your breath because if you pass out and die, we have to fill out the paperwork.

10. Never lie or cheat because we know the truth and you’ll live to regret it


This old saying has been around since I have been a PT and that's over 25 years now.

[trekkin_gecko]

a view of piestewa peak?
that had to be deliberate for motivation
best wishes for continued recovery, joe
we're all thinking of you and pulling for you

[rcorfman]

Glad to hear your self momentum is on the mend. Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[chulavista]

Wishing you a continued speedy recovery Joe!!

[Pivo]

Godspeed, Joe Bartels!
From Mark,Sandy and Joesph

[tdwood]

Sending all my best wishes for your recovery!

[big_load]

Heal fast!

[JasonCleghorn]

Hey, Joe. In no small way did this website pretty much save my life or at least my sanity. When I moved to Phoenix, I knew no one. Had no friends. My family was 2K miles away and wouldn't be joining me for 9 months.

Thanks to your creation, I found something in this life that A. I was pretty good at and B. that I was passionate about.

I am hoping so much for you to recover, and to finally get to hike with you.

HAZ loves you. Get better.

[Sredfield]

Heal fast Joe, we miss you around here!

[nonot]

Glad to hear you are in recovery. Hope to see you on the trail soon.

Like JC above, just thanking you for maintaining HAZ, its a great resource for people new to the area that don't have anyone to ask, and far better than the public material out there from the park service and forest service.

I still feel bad about that rock on the Motherlode trip.

[The_Eagle]

I still feel bad about that rock on the Motherlode trip.

Can't count the times I've heard that story. I feel like I was there.

[Al_HikesAZ]

Thank you for all that you have done for all of us with HAZ.
Wishing you a full and complete healing of body and soul.
Looking forward to your full and complete recovery. And to many happy trails.

[sirena]

Glad to hear you've been moved into rehab Joe, wishing you all the best on your return to the outdoors!

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into creating and maintaining this important resource and community.

[Sun_Ray]

I'm just getting over the news of your accident. All the hard work you've done to keep your body in shape will pay huge dividends in your recovery. Hang in there!

[SkyIslandHiker]

Joe, I wish you a speedy and full recovery and I hope you're able to get back on the trail soon.