I am sure she only wore the bikini for the photo op and changed back into her hiking clothes after the shot ! Is there any common sense left in the world !
I absolutely do not see how this story differs from any other hiker who made a bad choice or had an unfortunate event that ends in death. She was a real hiker. The fact that she posed in a bikini, which I just see as her social media "schtick" has nothing to do with it.
She got famous by posting sexualized photos of hiking in a bikini. After her death, that's what the public remembers her for and what ill informed people connect her death to. That is still on her
@@jornjorn4571 Anyone who said she died BECAUSE she was posing in a bikini or wasn't a real hiker is uninformed. People making stupid assumptions is NOT on her.
She’s hot af and people assume people who aren’t ashamed of being hot are attention seeking. She looks like a mountain climber to me… just a hot one. May her beautiful soul rest in peace ♥️
@@GodzookyHell, if I had a body like hers I'd probably use it too to draw attention to what I'm passionate about. I don't see anything wrong with that. She was clearly a hiker first and foremost.
I used to live in Taiwan (actually visiting right now), and have hiked and camped there extensively. For many trails in Taiwan, especially high altitude trails in the central mountain range, permits are required to hike and these must be applied for in advance. In the application, you need to extensively outline your route, where exactly you’ll be hiking, sleeping and for how long. Topography, trail and weather conditions in Taiwans’s central mountains are extremely rough and volatile. The path that Gigi took was an old trail/road through the park that was very overgrown and treacherous and as far as I remember reading at the time, she didn’t have a permit for that specific trail. Unmaintained trails in Taiwan are often machete material and due to seismic activity and typhoons, very susceptible to rockfall and landslides. If you deviate from your route and something happens to you, it can very quickly become very difficult for people to find you. The weather can change from mild and friendly to appalling in a matter of minutes. I have personal experience being in a terrible weather situation on a multi-day hike in Taiwan’s central mountains where someone in another mountaineering team died. The conditions there are no joke. Gigi was very prepared and very experienced and was constantly raising awareness in the hiking community. She wanted to make hiking more accessible for everyone and I really wish her pack had been a bit lighter. UL gear culture has not really taken off in Taiwan and UL gear is very expensive. People are happy to hike very, very heavy and wear it as a badge of honour. Dehydrated meals are not super common. Hoping UL culture will gain popularity here in the coming years. All that being said, Gigi was a beast, Taiwan is beautiful, and I can highly recommend hiking here, it’s phenomenal.
@@gwengwen4535thank you for this feedback! I had thought of it before but the mobile device I used to type the original wouldn’t like me space out paragraphs. I’ve just tried on the RUclips app on my phone now and it worked, hopefully it’s better!
@ImaRandomFemaleI remember that she had been descending when she fell, and searchers were looking for her around approx. 1500 meters elevation. I’ve stayed at a basic shelter in Yushan National Park in August and the temps dipped to 5 degrees at 3500 meters, colder with humidity. She was in the park in the dead of winter. The temperature at the time was predicted to dip and the weather was taking a turn, but it didn’t drop below freezing the first night. In Taiwan though, if rain, fog and humidity are factored in on top of the fact that she couldn’t move well enough to set up her tent and cover herself better, that alone can be enough to induce hypothermia very quickly. They weren’t able to get to her the second night either. Temperatures were still just above freezing but with the poor weather, injuries etc. and 2 nights of exposure, her chances were very slim :(
She looks like an absolute darling. Smiling and joyful in all her pictures. It’s sad she faced so much criticism and died the way she did, I really think she was inspiring.
Yeah and on one hand he's trying to defend her from the media for calling her the bikini hiker which is a pretty fair description, because that is what she is known for. And clearly she wasn't doing the actual hiking in a bikini. But then he gets on a soapbox and starts crying around about how much her backpack weighed. It was her backpack what do you care how much it weighed. Maybe it caused her to fall maybe it didn't, hindsight is 20/20. And at least she lived her life on her terms and that's how she died
@@sdmsdm7926 I was inspired by this video. It made me want to hike again, but also reaffirmed my desire to never solo hike. She seemed like a very sweet and cool lady. Some of us take something from a story, and others, like you, don’t. That’s your prerogative.
I really appreciate how you use phrases like 'it's been reported' or 'as far as I can tell from my research', instead of just pretending you know every detail of everything like most RUclipsrs do.
As an experienced, Mountain Climber, Hillwalker, Hiker and Camper of over 50 years, it seems to me that she was a very experienced accomplished Hiker. She had achieved incredible success and in my opinion she was a Beautiful Inspiring lovely person. It is so very sad that she perished , and may she rest in peace. My sincere condolences go out to all her friends and family.
Man I stood on a cliff's edge in Portugal once, lucky it was dry weather. You really can tend to overlook the danger when you're amazed by the view. Or when you misjudge a step or jump, it can be fatal. Always double check. I backed up when I realised there was a 20m+ drop right below me. Never liked heights much
@@GrandDukeMushroomYou are 100% correct. There's definitely been times where I have had to take a step back like that because I didn't realize at first I was so close to a steep drop. It happens sometimes, especially if you spend a lot of time hiking around steep drops like that, like when hiking along mountain ridges.
Hello, hypothermia. That's pretty much exactly how it happens. She may or may not have been suffering before that happened. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess at her legs being messed up to where she couldn't use them might have been painful. Assuming she didn't break her back and had no feeling at all.
Being saved from death from hypothermia, no pain, no cold , just sleepiness. Being an ice fisherman, always call the trip quits if feeling two of three factors, tired , cold, or hungry. Also to offer belated condolences to her family members and loved ones. She pasted doing what she loved and able to share it with others.
Gigi was a real hiker taking the same risks many other hikers take. Including a very risky solo hike. The bikini was simply her gimic. The best hikers can fall in very safe conditions. Poor girl. Shame on the Haters & Trolls.
Most of the people who leave hateful comments rarely care about facts. I feel badly for her loved ones having to see and hear the things people say about her. She was an adult who did something she enjoyed even if she took extra risks or wasn’t the best prepared her death is still a tragedy to those who loved her.
Multiple things can ge true at once. Yes, it is a horrible tragedy for those who loved her most. Yes it is fun to put oneself out there and share the experience via social media. Yes, it is fun to get a lot of attention from wherever if one is wired that way. Yes, hiking in the world can be dangerous. Yes, one takes the risk of criticism when sharing stories on social media. Yes, some people say more provocative things than others.
There isn’t anything to learn other than accidents can happen to anyone anytime. She could have slipped and hit her head in the shower and died just as easily. People can hike with heavy gear alone and off trails safely. There is risk in everything. The only thing that we can learn from this situation is just how dishonest the media is willing to be to get clicks.
We already knew about the media. Obviously they’re going to have wild headline titles to peak interest because that’s how they get paid. It’s not like the old days when everyone reads the news or watched it as part of their daily regimen. You can’t blame people for blaming her, okay stupid games win stupid prizes
There absolutely is something to learn from this story. Don't bring heavy ass camera equipment on a hike when you're going off trail somewhere you don't know. I'm prrtty sure if she 1. Didn't bring heavy ass equipment shed still be alive or 2. If she didn't go off trail with said heavy ass camera equipment, she'd still be alive.
I lived in Taiwan. All hiking trails are super steep. They all start with man made steps before getting to more natural terrain. The trails are on the sides of gorges. Another issue in Taiwan is rock slides. In well traveled areas, signs warn hikers about possible falling rocks. Some wonder how she could die of hypothermia in Taiwan. Some mountains are over 9000 feet in elevation. The following is from another source that shows how cold it can get in Taiwan’s mts. 10° F at Yushan, the highest peak, and 18° F at Alishan
@@Myhandlenamehasbeentaken I had just heard that she fell to her death. As she called someone afterwards (which I hadn't heard), she must have survived initially. I just looked up that this happened in January (where temps can drop to around 5°C) and she was at over 2000m elevation, so maybe the hypothermia isn't so ridiculous after all. The rest of the year (Mar to Dec) it is around 30°C, so during that time it wouldn't be possible I think...guess I jumped to conclusions. 🤷♀️
@@katfromthekong414 It’s rare but Taipei has actually had a little snow before. Some of the highest mts in Taiwan are over 9000 feet. One other factor is wind. - she died of hypothermia. I don’t know how cold it has to be to die of hypothermia. Facts I pulled from another source: Taiwan's mountains can reach 10° F at Yushan, the highest peak, and 18° F at Alishan
@@susankern3853 That is definitely cold enough to die of hypothermia I would wager. Strangely easy to forget how cold the winters can be, especially up the mountains.
I keep finding myself saying she should’ve not done the risky things, but… I ride 450 dirt bikes and gsxr1000’s. Many many close calls, ICU stays. I can’t blame her for anything. May she RIP.
@simunator it's okay for a person to enjoy compliments, most people do. That doesn't make her "shallow". She wasn't just posing next to trees in a bikini, this woman was clearly a very capable hiker seeing the beauty of her country.
The whole “seeking attention” trope is such bullshit. Everyone. Every single person who uses any social media is seeking attention. If we weren’t there’d be absolutely zero need to post anything. Whether it be from family, friends or strangers. We all post for other to see and reply.
So the only logical conclusion is it is NOT bullshit, it is just not restricted to bikini wearing girls. You have the conclusion of your own valid points totally backward.
Thank you for this video. Ms. Wu hiked alone in remote, little-traveled, rugged country. She fell. No one could get to her in time to save her. She passed away due to hypothermia. Very unfortunate.
It really bugs me how attractive women get hate for showing themselves doing what they love, especially if they show some skin. I have a feeling that Gigi Wu and my sister would have really gotten along. My sis is a surfer, hiker, and yoga instructor living in Mexico. For her yoga business, she needs to keep a regular social media presence, and sometimes she'll also post shots where, for example, she's doing a headstand on her surfboard on a calm day on the Pacific. She's thin and pretty like Gigi, so she gets unwarranted hate for things like the surfing headstand pics, even though it's an act of incredible balance and skill, not just a sexy shot in a swimsuit. If I was able to do the same thing as a guy (I absolutely can't!), people would just say that it was awesome. Someone explain this to me.
"I am sure she only wore the bikini for the photo op and changed back into her hiking clothes after the shot ! Is there any common sense left in the world."
of course you had to add the world "thin"... no wonder why women get irritated, not jealous just annoyed and irritated. Why would i be jealous of a dead girl ??
Some people are called to the mountains. And she may have seen her photo shoots as a way to keep funding her hiking endeavors. The whole thing is just really sad. We have had some hikers disappear or get lost lately on some of our popular trails- as it happens, they were all traveling with others, and got separated from the group. One woman was swept down a river, and weeks later, still has not been found. There’s no absolute, 100% guarantees whether you hike alone or not. Pray always for those who are lost, and those who are desperate for their safe return.
regarding her motivation - considering the frequency of her trips it seems to me that it is not unreasonable to say that at some stage her online presence must have become her main source of income
What makes this story even more tragic (and makes me angry) is that instead of reporting that an experienced hiker died in a tragic accident and possibly giving others advise on how they could avoid/be prepared for things like hypothermia the media essentially started victim blaming, even though she only wore the bikini when she took the photo at the top.
She was 5 feet six inches tall and carried a pack that she wanted to not be heavier than 70 pounds. She has my admiration for being able to carry that whilst climbing. From a Sports Illustrate article I found online: "Over a frantic 30 seconds, as her voice faded in and out, Yang deciphered that she had tumbled down a cliff and couldn’t move her legs. She needed help. "Wu begged her hiking friend to remember the article they’d recently discussed. The one about a trail that long ago connected villages inhabited by Taiwan’s aboriginal people, but that had gone untended and largely unused as far back as 1895, when Japan took control of the island. Remember that trail? "On the 19th, Wu veered from any clear trail. Her route was a vestige of an old one, her boots crushing wide swaths of shale and detritus from the thick canopy of trees. The terrain would have demanded that she negotiate the steepest descents using her hands to brace against tree trunks while keeping her footing in unceasingly damp conditions." So, it could have been a very simple slip that caused the fall.
Thank you for giving more detail to this story. I think Gigi wu was a really amazing mountain climber and it's so sad so many people just thought of her as a bikini clad woman and nothing else. Climbing all those mountains was a fantastic feat. Thank you for honoring her and telling more details to others who may not know. I really dislike how false and misleading the media headlines are. RIP to Gigi Wu.
I have a relative who was a rancher in Wyoming. I'm not sure when this happened but I think it was before 1950, and may have been the 1930's. He was out on horseback several hours ride from the nearest shelter when the temperature dropped from the 80's to the 20's F in about 30 minutes. As a child his own grandfather told him to always carry cold weather clothes no matter how hot the day might be as he had been out as a young man when a large temperature drop took place, and he'd nearly frozen to death trying to get home. It was lucky he had such clothing with him, as he would never have gotten home dressed as he was thar day. Several other people died as they were out dressed for a warm summer day and it suddenly got freezing cold.
That makes no sense. The day isnt going to go from 80 to 20 unless you're going up in elevation. And one pair of gloves wouldn't be enough to save his life. Heat escapes through the head. Not the hands.
It's astonishing how quickly the temperature can drop on the eastern slopes of the Rockies. When I lived in Calgary, a chinook blew in and it went from shirt sleeves comfortable to freezing in 20-30 minutes. I joked at the time that you could almost hear the mercury "thump" as it dropped in the thermometers. I'm guessing Wyoming sees similar wild swings in weather conditions.
@@trawlins396 a few years ago I flew in to Dallas, TX for a work event in December. When we landed in the afternoon it was 78° and sunny. That night by 10 pm it was 29° and windy as hell. The temperature drop was shockingly fast in low elevation - I can only imagine in the mountains/high elevations.
@@1MiketheScribe a chinook is a warm wind, at best it was blowing out not in. I grew up in Calgary, the idea that we went from 26 degrees (celsius) to -6 in 30 minutes is laughably stupid.
There's no reason for the hate especially all of us that don't even know her. To think she was hiking Mountains in freezing temperatures in a bikini is ridiculous. When she got to the top she changed took the pictures and that was that. RIP bikini girl. 💯❤️❤️🇺🇸
Thank you for this video. I think you did a good job at defending her and pointing out that she was a legitimate hiker who had this entertaining gimmick. I also appreciate your gentle critique of her. Hiking off trail is dangerous. Poor woman - may she rest in peace.
Usually Kyle does not critique Hikers choices at all, because it is victim blaming. But he softly critiques her for showing her Body in the beginning. I didnt Like that part. It was really unnessecary.
i'm almost 60 years old and i've been solo hiking the Smokies since i was 11. hiked by myself in Cades Cove when i was that young. hiked LeConte alone when i was 18 and you could still be alone on alum cave trail. i hike alone because of being alone. sometimes the "alone" is the point. i taught my kids to love to hike but, sometimes when they were younger and driving me nuts, i hiked alone to keep from going insane lol.
@@Menstral you mean the 3 grown men who are higher educated, financially successful, and who are in long term relationships.... those guys? i shouldn't have been their Mom? the 3 guys who message me every day or call me or their dad every day.. those guys? are you jealous that we chose to hike with our kids their entire childhoods?.. or was it that we fished all the time with them and kayaked all the time with them? dude, i'm sorry you're miserable but honestly. it sounds like you deserve it. and as for me as a Mom, i don't hide behind a screen name. i am who i am. i'm not hard to find and neither are my kids. find them and tell them i shouldn't have been their Mom and see how that works out for you. tell them to their faces, and good luck with that. just because i had a hobby didn't make me a bad Mom, it made me a GREAT Mom. my sons were raised by a woman who knows what she's worth. you'll never be with a woman like that though because it takes a real man to know he's an equal and not the master. could you be any more red pilled? get up off that couch and step away from your keyboard and go do something awesome so the awesome things other people do with their lives don't make you so miserable.
If I waited for someone else to camp or hike with me I'd never have had the experiences I've lived and seen. No one I grew up with were outdoors people. Sad for them. 72 now. Still at it. Started as a Boy Scout.
_Some_ people. Most enjoy and appreciate watching others having fun; it's only the fraction of a percent of miserable idiots who hate it - otherwise, RUclips, Facebook, et. al. would have no business model.
Taiwanese here, Taiwan general public opinion is very hostile to people who ran into accidents when hiking in unofficial trails without applications beforehand, even more so if they went solo. When these people got into problems or disappear, it is always extremely hard to find them and the search operations often pose great danger to the rescuers, also 99% of the time it is just a body recovery operation by the time they are found. Taiwanese public heavily criticizes these people because they think it is a waste of resources with unnecessary danger, all for a dead person who does not value his/her life(I am not making accusation, just explaining this is the public opinion). I believe this is a cultural thing, Taiwan as part of Asian culture puts more emphasis on "Don't cause trouble for other people". There is no doubt Gigi is better than 99% of the hikers in Taiwan, it is no small feat to complete the Hundred Peaks challenge, and Gigi had more than the Hundred Peaks under her belt, but she did break one of the rules and the general public didn't like that. Her celibacy status which is overly sexualized by bloodlusty media sadly made thing worse. Personally, I don't care if she wore bikini to gain attention, everybody wants attention and everybody has a right to earn it, she earned her attention through actual hardship which is far more valid than most, she is just unfortunately, truly unfortunate.
When I was a young skier in Colorado I almost did the bikini skiing. I chickened out because of the road rash from a fall intimidated me. Did plenty of tank top ski days though.
I listened to the very end and man….. I felt so warm to learn that Taiwan updated some of their old paths and cellphone towers, in honor and remembrance of this vibrant hiker that introduced so many more to hiking. Wherever she is now I hope she’s at peace.
This is my favourite portrayal of this woman. She was a hiker who lost her life and people are bothered about dumb semantics that neither affected her death, her life, or their life. Sad little people. Thank you for your respectful mindset in what she’s allowed to show of herself. You show that the majority of men do not care about this kind of stuff, they’re not whiney brats, the worst are just the loudest and giving a bad name, any woman whinging about this is bitter and jealous and can tell no one otherwise. You hit the nail on the head about her mindset on why she did it and that was so important to hear for so many people. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have been hiking since I was a child in Girl Scouts. I checked PeakBagger and in my state there are 17 peaks over 10k, and I have done most of them. The ones that would require full size packs and overnight stays, I have not done. I would not hike alone. I don’t understand why people do. I get that isolation and silence in the wilderness are cathartic. And your list of reasons for hiking alone are valid. To me, it is entirely too treacherous. Things can go from zero to one hundred very fast. I had a friend standing next to a hiking partner who was standing next to him on a peak one second, and the edge gave way and he was gone, the next second. My friend took two days to get back to help. He knew it was a retrieval not a rescue, immediately. So he didn’t take any unnecessary risks to hurry. He was inconsolable for weeks. Everyone around him took time to just be with him. I would not hike alone. Also, “back in my day”, super light equipment was expensive and only for those who were serious hikers. The rule I was taught was your gear should weigh less than half of you, preferably one third. Including you, and your shoes. I am not a large person. That isn’t much gear. My biggest investment was my shoes. Because I would be wearing those the entire time. Getting fatigued and blisters will kill you without trying too hard. There. Let the haters begin.
I suggested that you do this story over a year ago. I'm glad you finally got around to it. I always assumed she fell while taking a selfie in a bikini on a snowy mountain top. Thanks for digging deep and getting to the truth.
I never assumed it….I read it when the news reported it that she made it, quickly switched into her bikini for the shot, accidentally slipped, feel, injured couldnt move, help couldn’t get to her due to bad weather & by the time they did, she froze to death 😢. But, never heard of her nor her story, so assumed nothing. I guess the news reported it wrong back then.
This was a brave, highly capable, and beautiful lady! Her incredible climbing skills are what people should be focused on; not her bikini photos. May she rest peacefully. 🙏🏾
Considering she was 36, a grown woman, she made her own decisions. If people didn’t like her style they didn’t have to pay her any attention. Going off trail & going alone was a risk that she decided also, but to put rescuers at risk wasn’t hers to decide.
@@consciousobserver629I think they mean that it's an unfortunate situation but no one is to blame. She had a right to hike daringly, and the rescuers also have a right to decide the level of risk they were comfortable with. So no one did anything "wrong", it just lined up in this situation where she wasn't able to be reached in time.
People are quick to jump on any excuse to judge and dismiss women, and the sensationalist headlines were shameful. Thank you for telling this story in a more fair and accurate way.
It's called Paradoxical Undressing when people get "hot" at the end stage of hypothermia. Poor Gigi had zero body fat on top of everything so she had no chance. Really sad. She must have been so lonely. 😢
? This makes no sense. Paradoxical undressing is when you’re hypothermic and you undress. You’re getting it backwards. She normally strips for a pic. The time she died. She was fully dressed. Which means she never paradoxically undressed, or she would have been, undressed. You should really state that you mean about her taking her jacket off. In a video about a bikini hiker. Your comment is pretty confusing with the context you’ve missed and won’t help the people spreading misinformation about her.
@@kirstybrown1185you have it backwards. She wasn’t found wearing a bikini, she didn’t die of hypothermia because of her photo shoot. She took her jacket off because of paradoxical undressing and was wearing otherwise normal hiking clothes.
I'm guilty of watching a ton of your videos without subscribing. I enjoy your content, but this video was especially touching due to the empathy and respect you showed for the subject. I am finally a subscriber.
I used to carry over 80 lbs just being homeless. I think she was just trying to be extra safe... maybe? also, the comment you made about hypothermia... I would've never known that. That's actually really good to know. When I get cold I often start to feel overheated and feel that urge to remove some clothing. (my body is so bad at regulating temperature)
I knew this...in fact when I've actually been hot in a sleeping bag I sometimes am really wary because I don't know if I'm just too hot or it's hypothermia....it was the former! Strange cos I should have been super cold given the conditions, but I think the site and bag and mattress did their job properly. Also a good 4 season tent, you can get upto 17 degrees or more up there with body warmth. Real shame Gigi could not put her tent up, she would have likely survived if so.
There is no reason she cannot be seeking attention, getting clicks and getting paid, and serving the hiking community all at once. Better than doing only fans.
My fiancé visited Taiwan in August of last year to visit his son, who is working there. They hiked a little but he said never again, unless it’s closer to winter because it was so unbelievably hot.
I am a woman and I am terrified of solo hiking! if i know a local trail well and I have the dog along, i will sometimes do 1-2 km on my own, but never further than that... and i'm always relieved when i'm back within sight of the trailhead again. there are just too many weirdos in the bush here, along with the cougars and bears and my own clutziness. :D but kudos to those that can do it! just stay safe!
I’m an older guy, and I love the outdoors. I always enjoyed seeing female hikers getting out there solo. I just like seeing more people enjoying the outdoors, men or women. My land shares a border with a national park, so I can sneak on the trail whenever I want. I see more females solo hiking every year. I do give ladies more space on the trail, if I see one I try to get their attention by saying “hello”, when they’re still a good distance from me. I don’t want to surprise a woman that might not see me ahead of her. So I’ll wave and say hi just to get their attention and then I keep walking. Because again, I don’t want to make the woman uncomfortable walking next to me, a strange man in the woods! 😅. If I were a woman, solo hiking would be scary to me I know that. So I just try to do what I’d want someone to do for me. It’s sad that women have to really be in fear on some level when hiking solo. Nature has been such a healing thing for so many people. Ladies need to have the opportunity to enjoy that, without fear, just as much as I do.
@@jlt131 I can completely understand how you feel the way you do. Even as a man, I can understand why any woman would feel worry at the very least when they’re hiking alone. As someone that literally lives near the trails around me (western upper peninsula in Michigan), I see plenty of questionable hikers out there. I especially pay attention to the guys that are on a trail while wearing regular pants and shoes with almost no supplies for an overnight hike. I will often just hang out on the trail and give people energy bars and water or something. So I get to hear the stories from people about any strange acting people on the trail. Just me being there has caused two male hikers that had been scaring a woman that stopped to talk to me and get some water. They came right up behind her, just off the trail like they were trying to hide or something. All while I sat there with her! It was completely shocking to me that this poor girl had to deal with that. I was more than happy to put the fear of god in those men. I even agreed to hike out with her until she got to her vehicle. I could never leave any person male or female out on the trail when they’ve told me someone is scaring them. Even if I thought that fear was irrational. I know it doesn’t feel irrational to that person going through that. There just should be no reason for anyone to be worried about people hiking around them. But that’s where we are in this world. You cannot trust anybody these days. That’s pretty sad too. Especially when you’re talking about enjoying the outdoors. Thats where I’ve always gone to find peace and quiet. Being deep in the woods where few people have ever been to even is my church. It’s my safe place. That’s why it’s just so hard for me to tolerate those that steal that kind of joy away from the activity. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I wasn’t comfortable around groups of people anymore. So this cabin and my land was where I disappeared too. I lost everything else anyway when the recession hit. Without this place, without this land, I’m not so sure I’d still be alive to be honest. I live deep in the woods, surrounded by over a thousand acres of my own land, and probably tens of thousands of acres of the Ottawa National Forest. I rarely ever even hear a car let alone see one. And to get to the trail from my cabin is a very long walk through a lot of swamp. So I only see people if I actually want to or need to for some reason. Talking to hikers is one thing I can do to have some contact with people. But that’s it really, unless I want to drive 15 minutes into “town”, which is 1 gas station and a blinking yellow light. 😂 I just hope that people can find the peace that I did being out in nature. So when I have to, I make sure hikers feel safe. If I could do more, I definitely would. These are some of the reason why it bothers me so much that people could ruin that opportunity for someone else.
Thank you for telling her story. She had an accident. Something that could have happened to any solo hiker. She even had a satellite phone and got through to a friend. It actually sounds like they got to her pretty quickly considering how remote she was. It’s just sad it wasn’t in time.😢 It’s nice to hear the government has decided to improve trails and cell reception.
This is a sad and tragic story. I get why people solo hike. We never truly consider the risks involved until it's too late. On the other hand, live life by your own terms, do what you love, and regret nothing. As long as you are not hurtling anyone else, go for it! RIP Gigi Wu.
I don't hike, but I do fall down a lot. I understand your suggested reasons why Gigi fell and why you and other hikers need to talk about it and figure it out. But as for me, I fall on even surfaces such as my living room, the driveway, and on public walkways. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of inattention, a trash can suddenly appearing or a cat underfoot. Nothing you can do but grab the nearest standing lamp or pedestrian but if those aren't available then gravity has its way. So maybe she just tripped. And although my falls are humorous, if painful, Gigi's fall took her life and that is scary. Scary that one misstep, or overloaded pack should cause your death. So enjoy life while you can; Gigi did! We should all live our lives doing what we enjoy the most.
This doesn't sound normal. Have you had it investigated? Very often, random falls for no reason are connected to problems/imbalances in the ear canal. Hope you get yourself checked out thoroughly. Even falls at home can be extremely dangerous. My mother had a fall at home 10 years ago and suffered a brain injury as a result, which literally destroyed her life. She went from being completely independent to needing help with absolutely everything.
@@letsrock1729 Oh dear. Thank you for your concern. I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. You truly can never know when these things will happen. That is heartbreaking. And I'm an older woman myself. Well, I have a physical in July and will tell my dr about it. Thank you.
@@anna3036 It's so true that you never know when these things might happen. My mum's accident made me realise that life can truly change forever in a second. I admit that I've become horribly paranoid...like if someone leaves a bag on the floor, for example, I have to move it so that no one will potentially trip over it. I'm constantly on the look out for trip hazards. My mum was only 73 when she had her accident, which isn't really very elderly. Yes, please do mention these things to your doctor.
@@letsrock1729 I'm sorry for that. Many people don't realize how falls can be incredibly dangerous; people die from falls due to one issue or another all the time - especially toppling over to a hard surface like a floor or pavement. I myself have balance issues due to nerve damage in my legs (motorcycle accident years ago); if I can't see clearly or at least touch a surface like a wall for mental reference, I have zero kinesthetic feedback below the knees/mid-thighs. I literally have no way to know where my feet are unless I can see them. So I'm very careful and conscious of how I move, and verify things visually mostly. My own mother fell last year, and her shoulder joint just shattered - she had to have her whole shoulder joint replaced with a prosthetic implant, and we spent about five months just caring for her while she recovered.
kyle, thank you for taking the time to report ms. woo’s sad story. she seemed small & was slender. just about any size pack would appear huge on her. also, a winter pack with winter clothing and gear would also be fuller & heavier. her fitness and backpacking /hiking fervor is inspiring to hear. i am sorry she suffered to an untimely death. (note: in my younger days, i backpacked solo and usually carried a heavy pack - but stayed on trails. i was too short to hike off trail and maneuver over boulders & through vegetation with an unwieldy pack.)
It’s crazy how she was able to carry 70lbs! She doesn’t look like she weighs more than 110. I weigh 110 and anything over 25 is hard on me :,) *this is def not hate! I absolutely love her and she’s inspired me so much
There’s a RUclips channel called “Beast Runners” and they’ve come upon solo hikers who fell to their deaths similar to Gigi, and it’s usually from people going off trail not realizing the danger they’re putting themselves in. As the man in the videos says “don’t hike alone, it’s very dangerous”, I can see why solo hiking can end in tragedy very quickly.
There are still a lot of people who believe that a beautiful woman can't be intelligent or skilled at anything. Women can be beautiful AND smart AND skilled, amazingly!
This is just a general comment. Being from Northern Canada, I have seen this issue over and over from visitors coming to my area from more temperate areas. Visitors to extreme cold climates often don't know how to dress, and don't understand the clothing needed to keep warm. I've also lived on 4 continents, in tropical and temperate climates. A good example would be 'winter' coats I've seen for sale in Singapore. At best, those coats would be early spring/late fall coats, and not definitely January or February wear in Canada. Another issue, especially for women, is wanting to look good and choosing form over function, that being this looks better or will photograph well instead of sturdier, warmer clothing or gear that would be better for the cold conditions that would be encountered. As a side note, we were taking 2 hiking trips in Ireland in October about 25 yrs ago. Because it was the end of season, gortex coats were picked over. I ended up buying an XS men's coat in a butt ugly brown color. It was amazing and worked well in some very rainy weather. In addition, because of the types of pockets on this coat, it was my go-to for airline travel. I was bemoaning this coat to my friend, a guy who had been a soldier in N. Ireland during the troubles. He noted that it was an excellent coat, as it didn't draw attention, either from airport security or thieves. It sounds like this gal simply had an accident, and was able to contact someone for help appropriately. In such a short call, she was able to convey good information to try to get the help she needed, but things didn't work out for her.
Bad weather hampers all attempts to rescue; having a fall and (it seems) a major back injury due to bad weather is a particularly dangerous situation. I'm not sure there would have ever been any real hope for her; it's tragic. But, well, _life_ is dangerous, and there are no guarantees.
I guess I always have a hard time making my mind when some online "influencer" passes away, either by falling from the top of a building, or doing anything that was gathering him/ her likes online, or whatever else got them " famous". I do not rejoice in any way or form, of course, and I do feel sorry for the families left behind, but that race to becoming famous at all cost gives ideas that would not occur to anyone otherwise if social media was not involved.
I've suffered from Hypothermia once, and it happened in June, up in Yellowstone National park, years and years ago. I've been a lot more careful since then. What ever she died from, it is sad. But some of those pictured just showed how thin she was, when you can see her ribs.
Hi Kyle just wanted to say I Love your channel, followed you from the start, love to see the growth. Your videos are appreciated . Love to see how much your channel is growing!
Yeah, maybe she just thought she looked cute. Nothing wrong with a woman feeling herself. Of course a lot of people don't like when a woman shows independence and confidence.
I watched a documentary on this, but your delivery is so much better, I had no issues hearing this story again because it was you telling the story and bringing your experienced opinion to the story, good work sir!
Gigi Wu. She died doing what she loved. I believe she did slip and fall on wet rocks in a storm with a fairly heavy pack (two week trek). Slipping like this is actually fairly common for experienced hikers especially if you are descending and a little tired towards the end of the day. Seventy pounds is the weight that White Mountain Appalachian Hut Crews regularly re-supply the food to the huts on their backs using wooden ruck-sacks and these guys and gals have very strong legs and are ascending with it most of the time.
23:13 I'm sorry, I dont find the headlines misleading at all. They're just calling her the bikini hiker, none of them said she was in one, that's just how she's known, which is why most put that part in parentheses. If they didnt mention the "bikini hiker" most people, unless there's a pic, wouldn't know who they're talking about.
You think they didn't know what the public perception would be when they wrote "Bikini hiker freezes to death on a mountain" They could've said "Bikini hiker dies on mountain."
a better title would be "Gigi Wu (aka bikini hiker) fell and died", the thing about hypothermia wouldn't be so sure right when it happened, until some days passed and more info is provided. They needed to include her nickname because who would know her overseas by name. Yes, many news outlets are trash and don't even verify the story before publishing.
This young woman died while doing what she loved most. I would wish this for everyone on earth when their time comes. R.I.P. Ms. Wu. Gone but not forgotten. You achieved your 100 highest peaks goal. Well done. ⚘️
I remember how viral this was, and the hateful insensitive comments were everywhere. People treated her death like it was a joking matter. Must have made things EXTRA painful for her family and friends. 💔
Hello 👋 Kyle, thank you for sharing this informative video. Back in 1996 I spent 2 weeks in Taiwan. I did one hike in East Central Taiwan. It was a leisurely hike in a heavily forested area. It was a most beautiful area. I regret that I did not have time to explore the more mountainous areas. Kyle keep up your great videos. Always stay safe out there. 😊
I understand hiking alone is very dangerous but I also understand wanting the peace of being by yourself in nature. This poor girl died and the media absolutely did her wrong. I truly hope she’s resting in peace in a place with a lot of hiking trails for her to enjoy.
Interesting channel, I am a solo hiker in the Swiss mountains for about 8-9 years now, over 13,000km in total, so obviously had some injuries and close calls but you grow and learn to evaluate the risks better and realize it's never too late to turn back...
I’m 37 and if I looked that good in a bikini still I’d be doing the same thing. There’s nothing wrong in a woman expressing herself and reveling in her own femininity. She’s beautiful and she hikes. Everyone enjoys doing some dangerous risky things. Some people enjoy it more than others but what is life if you’re not doing what you love and what you find exciting? I’m almost 40 and my only regrets are that I didn’t do more of those things that other people said wasn’t a good idea. She died doing what she loved, and what’s the alternative? Dying from old age in a bed after losing control of your fine and large motor skills or control of your bowels or forgetting your own family? No thanks. Let people live their lives and just because you don’t understand or agree doesn’t make them wrong or less than.
it the va that she was exposing herself on social media opens the door for opinion, people have the right not to like it or not agree with it... if you flaunt yourself you have to be ready to take the compliment as well as the critique.
@@melodiechartier5173 of course, but after she’s dead? What good does having a hurtful opinion do after the fact that she died? You can disagree all you want but that doesn’t make her wrong or less than.
I’m really glad you took time to make this video with the facts. I remember reading about this when it happened. And yeah, the media made me think she was out there hiking in a bikini and I remember thinking ‘well yeah she died’. And I feel bad for those thoughts now. I appreciate your efforts and concern with the truth. RIP Gigi 💕
Thanks for the video. I had never heard of her before but think that she was very courageous to do what she was doing - hiking so often, hiking alone, and sharing her story. Also, what an absolutely terrifying way to go - knowing the cold was coming and that you couldn't help yourself. Horrible that she died all alone up there and shame on those that ripped her apart afterwards. I think jealousy is the motive behind it. Also, well done video. Haven't seen you before but definitely worth subscribing.
I enjoy all your videos. You are a very talented storyteller. I have never hiked beyond well-worn trails in state parks. More of a stroll really… yet, am still compelled to listen to your stories about it. Your kindness and consideration of other opinions is very evident in your words.
Sorelle Amore has been taking bikini shots for years, she didn’t hike in that way, it was just a photo op. I am assuming it is the same for Gigi. I am very sorry she got hypothermia. It could happen to any one of us.
Yep, it has been confirmed that Gigi didn't actually hike in a bikini, she hiked in proper clothes and just put her bikini on for a photoshoot. She was a competent hiker.
Those cruel comments you read are the exact reason social media worries me. It’s not the attention seeking, that we all do on socials, it’s the dehumanization that seems to happen when you look at people you will never meet in person. The keyboard cruelty is a sad phenomenon. Especially after somebody passes away. Those comments would be so painful to her parents. With any story you share, I can’t help but feel it in my heart as a Mom. Rest peacefully Gigi.
She was totally experienced. She was on a sketchy section of high consequence. It was wet. When you slip wearing a full pack, the weight of the pack makes it difficult to regain control. Accidents happen. This is where solo hiking is dangerous, everything to prevent hypothermia was in her pack, she needed somebody else to get it. You can have an inReach, or a sat phone, and a puffy jacket and not make it. You could also get in a car accident on a public street and have 50 people simultaneously dialing 911, and not make it. I'm with you, Gigi. I'll take the mountains and their risk any day. RIP
I'm surprised that she even had the strength to make that phone call after falling 65ft into a ravine. Without shelter, she had 3 hours max after she fell. The weather was so bad that the helicopters couldn't fly even the next day. That means high winds and rain, and that means that 3 hours would be shortened by about half.
I am sure she only wore the bikini for the photo op and changed back into her hiking clothes after the shot ! Is there any common sense left in the world !
...exactly 😂...
That's what I was thinking!
No such thing in this world
Have you looked around the world lately?
Common sense is in short supply, unfortunately.
Absolutely ppl are thick
I absolutely do not see how this story differs from any other hiker who made a bad choice or had an unfortunate event that ends in death. She was a real hiker. The fact that she posed in a bikini, which I just see as her social media "schtick" has nothing to do with it.
She got famous by posting sexualized photos of hiking in a bikini. After her death, that's what the public remembers her for and what ill informed people connect her death to. That is still on her
@@jornjorn4571 Anyone who said she died BECAUSE she was posing in a bikini or wasn't a real hiker is uninformed. People making stupid assumptions is NOT on her.
She’s hot af and people assume people who aren’t ashamed of being hot are attention seeking. She looks like a mountain climber to me… just a hot one. May her beautiful soul rest in peace ♥️
@@GodzookyHell, if I had a body like hers I'd probably use it too to draw attention to what I'm passionate about. I don't see anything wrong with that. She was clearly a hiker first and foremost.
@@GodzookyHot!
I used to live in Taiwan (actually visiting right now), and have hiked and camped there extensively. For many trails in Taiwan, especially high altitude trails in the central mountain range, permits are required to hike and these must be applied for in advance. In the application, you need to extensively outline your route, where exactly you’ll be hiking, sleeping and for how long.
Topography, trail and weather conditions in Taiwans’s central mountains are extremely rough and volatile. The path that Gigi took was an old trail/road through the park that was very overgrown and treacherous and as far as I remember reading at the time, she didn’t have a permit for that specific trail. Unmaintained trails in Taiwan are often machete material and due to seismic activity and typhoons, very susceptible to rockfall and landslides. If you deviate from your route and something happens to you, it can very quickly become very difficult for people to find you.
The weather can change from mild and friendly to appalling in a matter of minutes. I have personal experience being in a terrible weather situation on a multi-day hike in Taiwan’s central mountains where someone in another mountaineering team died. The conditions there are no joke.
Gigi was very prepared and very experienced and was constantly raising awareness in the hiking community. She wanted to make hiking more accessible for everyone and I really wish her pack had been a bit lighter. UL gear culture has not really taken off in Taiwan and UL gear is very expensive. People are happy to hike very, very heavy and wear it as a badge of honour. Dehydrated meals are not super common. Hoping UL culture will gain popularity here in the coming years.
All that being said, Gigi was a beast, Taiwan is beautiful, and I can highly recommend hiking here, it’s phenomenal.
Sharing pictures of restricted trails and fighting for people to gain access
Thank you for your comment, break it up into paragraphs and it would be perfect. Just a thought😅
@@gwengwen4535thank you for this feedback! I had thought of it before but the mobile device I used to type the original wouldn’t like me space out paragraphs. I’ve just tried on the RUclips app on my phone now and it worked, hopefully it’s better!
@ImaRandomFemaleI remember that she had been descending when she fell, and searchers were looking for her around approx. 1500 meters elevation. I’ve stayed at a basic shelter in Yushan National Park in August and the temps dipped to 5 degrees at 3500 meters, colder with humidity. She was in the park in the dead of winter.
The temperature at the time was predicted to dip and the weather was taking a turn, but it didn’t drop below freezing the first night. In Taiwan though, if rain, fog and humidity are factored in on top of the fact that she couldn’t move well enough to set up her tent and cover herself better, that alone can be enough to induce hypothermia very quickly.
They weren’t able to get to her the second night either. Temperatures were still just above freezing but with the poor weather, injuries etc. and 2 nights of exposure, her chances were very slim :(
Thank you for sharing the information.
She looks like an absolute darling. Smiling and joyful in all her pictures. It’s sad she faced so much criticism and died the way she did, I really think she was inspiring.
Yeah and on one hand he's trying to defend her from the media for calling her the bikini hiker which is a pretty fair description, because that is what she is known for. And clearly she wasn't doing the actual hiking in a bikini.
But then he gets on a soapbox and starts crying around about how much her backpack weighed.
It was her backpack what do you care how much it weighed.
Maybe it caused her to fall maybe it didn't, hindsight is 20/20.
And at least she lived her life on her terms and that's how she died
@@jamesbowen5573 Yeah, I was disappointed in the criticism related to the weight of her backpack. Really unnecessary and disappointing.
I didn't get inspired in the least by watching this video.
@@sdmsdm7926 I was inspired by this video. It made me want to hike again, but also reaffirmed my desire to never solo hike. She seemed like a very sweet and cool lady. Some of us take something from a story, and others, like you, don’t. That’s your prerogative.
@@sdmsdm7926no one said you did
I really appreciate how you use phrases like 'it's been reported' or 'as far as I can tell from my research', instead of just pretending you know every detail of everything like most RUclipsrs do.
As an experienced, Mountain Climber, Hillwalker, Hiker and Camper of over 50 years, it seems to me that she was a very experienced accomplished Hiker. She had achieved incredible success and in my opinion she was a Beautiful Inspiring lovely person. It is so very sad that she perished , and may she rest in peace. My sincere condolences go out to all her friends and family.
Poor woman. I wouldn't want to die that way. I hope she just fell asleep and didn't suffer too much.
Hypothermia isn't a bad death, good way to go, you feel warmth before you expire.
Man I stood on a cliff's edge in Portugal once, lucky it was dry weather. You really can tend to overlook the danger when you're amazed by the view. Or when you misjudge a step or jump, it can be fatal. Always double check. I backed up when I realised there was a 20m+ drop right below me. Never liked heights much
@@GrandDukeMushroomYou are 100% correct. There's definitely been times where I have had to take a step back like that because I didn't realize at first I was so close to a steep drop. It happens sometimes, especially if you spend a lot of time hiking around steep drops like that, like when hiking along mountain ridges.
Hello, hypothermia.
That's pretty much exactly how it happens.
She may or may not have been suffering before that happened. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess at her legs being messed up to where she couldn't use them might have been painful. Assuming she didn't break her back and had no feeling at all.
Being saved from death from hypothermia, no pain, no cold , just sleepiness. Being an ice fisherman, always call the trip quits if feeling two of three factors, tired , cold, or hungry. Also to offer belated condolences to her family members and loved ones. She pasted doing what she loved and able to share it with others.
Gigi was a real hiker taking the same risks many other hikers take. Including a very risky solo hike. The bikini was simply her gimic. The best hikers can fall in very safe conditions. Poor girl. Shame on the Haters & Trolls.
True. And she was a grown woman, not a girl.
*gimmick
Why can't Americans ever spell basic words??? 😂😂😂
@trawlins396 it's the shitty educational system
Speak for yourself. I am an ace speller, won a Jr. High School spelling bee. Not all Americans are uneducated illiterates.@@hells_shells
Most of the people who leave hateful comments rarely care about facts. I feel badly for her loved ones having to see and hear the things people say about her. She was an adult who did something she enjoyed even if she took extra risks or wasn’t the best prepared her death is still a tragedy to those who loved her.
Exactly
There are people who are only happy when they are making someone else miserable. It's a pathetic existence, but it's the only one they know.
@@MrJest2so true
Yeah. But she, and many influencers, is stupid .
Multiple things can ge true at once. Yes, it is a horrible tragedy for those who loved her most. Yes it is fun to put oneself out there and share the experience via social media. Yes, it is fun to get a lot of attention from wherever if one is wired that way. Yes, hiking in the world can be dangerous. Yes, one takes the risk of criticism when sharing stories on social media. Yes, some people say more provocative things than others.
She was actually very skilled. Too bad she was stuck in bad weather and injured.
Yeah, she hiked and climbed all these mountains. The only difference is that she took some more unusual photos.
There isn’t anything to learn other than accidents can happen to anyone anytime. She could have slipped and hit her head in the shower and died just as easily. People can hike with heavy gear alone and off trails safely. There is risk in everything. The only thing that we can learn from this situation is just how dishonest the media is willing to be to get clicks.
This... This is what I learned...
💯💯💯this
We already knew about the media. Obviously they’re going to have wild headline titles to peak interest because that’s how they get paid. It’s not like the old days when everyone reads the news or watched it as part of their daily regimen. You can’t blame people for blaming her, okay stupid games win stupid prizes
Hiking is an unnecessary hobby, unlike showering.
There absolutely is something to learn from this story. Don't bring heavy ass camera equipment on a hike when you're going off trail somewhere you don't know.
I'm prrtty sure if she 1. Didn't bring heavy ass equipment shed still be alive or 2. If she didn't go off trail with said heavy ass camera equipment, she'd still be alive.
I lived in Taiwan. All hiking trails are super steep. They all start with man made steps before getting to more natural terrain. The trails are on the sides of gorges. Another issue in Taiwan is rock slides. In well traveled areas, signs warn hikers about possible falling rocks. Some wonder how she could die of hypothermia in Taiwan. Some mountains are over 9000 feet in elevation. The following is from another source that shows how cold it can get in Taiwan’s mts.
10° F at Yushan, the highest peak, and 18° F at Alishan
I lived in Hong Kong at the time.....did you ever hear the freezing to death story? It's ridiculous to me given the weather in the region.
@@katfromthekong414what happened?
@@Myhandlenamehasbeentaken I had just heard that she fell to her death. As she called someone afterwards (which I hadn't heard), she must have survived initially. I just looked up that this happened in January (where temps can drop to around 5°C) and she was at over 2000m elevation, so maybe the hypothermia isn't so ridiculous after all. The rest of the year (Mar to Dec) it is around 30°C, so during that time it wouldn't be possible I think...guess I jumped to conclusions. 🤷♀️
@@katfromthekong414 It’s rare but Taipei has actually had a little snow before. Some of the highest mts in Taiwan are over 9000 feet. One other factor is wind. - she died of hypothermia. I don’t know how cold it has to be to die of hypothermia.
Facts I pulled from another source:
Taiwan's mountains can reach 10° F at Yushan, the highest peak, and 18° F at Alishan
@@susankern3853 That is definitely cold enough to die of hypothermia I would wager. Strangely easy to forget how cold the winters can be, especially up the mountains.
I keep finding myself saying she should’ve not done the risky things, but… I ride 450 dirt bikes and gsxr1000’s. Many many close calls, ICU stays. I can’t blame her for anything. May she RIP.
500s and 700 two strokes better
same, i scuba dive and backpack in the winter. but we don't do it for shallow clout
@@simunatorI don’t think she did it for clout
It may make you feel edgy talking about the risk of motorcycling, but it is a fallacy. Bikes are only as risky as the rider.
@simunator it's okay for a person to enjoy compliments, most people do. That doesn't make her "shallow". She wasn't just posing next to trees in a bikini, this woman was clearly a very capable hiker seeing the beauty of her country.
I really appreciate you doing her justice & telling her story in such a respectful way. Love your channel Kyle 😁
The whole “seeking attention” trope is such bullshit. Everyone. Every single person who uses any social media is seeking attention. If we weren’t there’d be absolutely zero need to post anything. Whether it be from family, friends or strangers. We all post for other to see and reply.
Facts.
100%
A commentor that actually makes sense, thank you!!
So the only logical conclusion is it is NOT bullshit, it is just not restricted to bikini wearing girls.
You have the conclusion of your own valid points totally backward.
@@Torero2901how so?
Thank you for this video.
Ms. Wu hiked alone in remote, little-traveled, rugged country. She fell. No one could get to her in time to save her. She passed away due to hypothermia. Very unfortunate.
It really bugs me how attractive women get hate for showing themselves doing what they love, especially if they show some skin. I have a feeling that Gigi Wu and my sister would have really gotten along. My sis is a surfer, hiker, and yoga instructor living in Mexico. For her yoga business, she needs to keep a regular social media presence, and sometimes she'll also post shots where, for example, she's doing a headstand on her surfboard on a calm day on the Pacific. She's thin and pretty like Gigi, so she gets unwarranted hate for things like the surfing headstand pics, even though it's an act of incredible balance and skill, not just a sexy shot in a swimsuit. If I was able to do the same thing as a guy (I absolutely can't!), people would just say that it was awesome. Someone explain this to me.
It’s mostly women hating on other women. Usually jealousy/competition, etc.
Haters gonna hate, especially if they feel anonymous.
Dude your comment is weird as hell.
"I am sure she only wore the bikini for the photo op and changed back into her hiking clothes after the shot ! Is there any common sense left in the world."
of course you had to add the world "thin"... no wonder
why women get
irritated, not jealous just annoyed and irritated. Why would i be jealous of a dead
girl ??
Some people are called to the mountains. And she may have seen her photo shoots as a way to keep funding her hiking endeavors. The whole thing is just really sad. We have had some hikers disappear or get lost lately on some of our popular trails- as it happens, they were all traveling with others, and got separated from the group. One woman was swept down a river, and weeks later, still has not been found. There’s no absolute, 100% guarantees whether you hike alone or not. Pray always for those who are lost, and those who are desperate for their safe return.
regarding her motivation - considering the frequency of her trips it seems to me that it is not unreasonable to say that at some stage her online presence must have become her main source of income
What makes this story even more tragic (and makes me angry) is that instead of reporting that an experienced hiker died in a tragic accident and possibly giving others advise on how they could avoid/be prepared for things like hypothermia the media essentially started victim blaming, even though she only wore the bikini when she took the photo at the top.
appreciate your tact and empathy in telling this story. it matters. keep up the great work. all the best with your channel
Thanks for adding kindness, care, and concern to the stories of these daring individuals. I APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS...!
I remember this was such an incredibly sad incident to hear as a Canto speaker who just started hiking. May she rest in peace.😢
She was 5 feet six inches tall and carried a pack that she wanted to not be heavier than 70 pounds. She has my admiration for being able to carry that whilst climbing.
From a Sports Illustrate article I found online:
"Over a frantic 30 seconds, as her voice faded in and out, Yang deciphered that she had tumbled down a cliff and couldn’t move her legs. She needed help.
"Wu begged her hiking friend to remember the article they’d recently discussed. The one about a trail that long ago connected villages inhabited by Taiwan’s aboriginal people, but that had gone untended and largely unused as far back as 1895, when Japan took control of the island. Remember that trail?
"On the 19th, Wu veered from any clear trail. Her route was a vestige of an old one, her boots crushing wide swaths of shale and detritus from the thick canopy of trees. The terrain would have demanded that she negotiate the steepest descents using her hands to brace against tree trunks while keeping her footing in unceasingly damp conditions."
So, it could have been a very simple slip that caused the fall.
Thank you for giving more detail to this story. I think Gigi wu was a really amazing mountain climber and it's so sad so many people just thought of her as a bikini clad woman and nothing else. Climbing all those mountains was a fantastic feat. Thank you for honoring her and telling more details to others who may not know. I really dislike how false and misleading the media headlines are. RIP to Gigi Wu.
Yay so glad you finally did this story. She was so much more than the hate her death got from the internet. Thanks for another great one🙌🏽✨🌈🍄🌻🪬
You can shove that rainbow..
I have a relative who was a rancher in Wyoming. I'm not sure when this happened but I think it was before 1950, and may have been the 1930's.
He was out on horseback several hours ride from the nearest shelter when the temperature dropped from the 80's to the 20's F in about 30 minutes.
As a child his own grandfather told him to always carry cold weather clothes no matter how hot the day might be as he had been out as a young man when a large temperature drop took place, and he'd nearly frozen to death trying to get home.
It was lucky he had such clothing with him, as he would never have gotten home dressed as he was thar day. Several other people died as they were out dressed for a warm summer day and it suddenly got freezing cold.
That makes no sense. The day isnt going to go from 80 to 20 unless you're going up in elevation.
And one pair of gloves wouldn't be enough to save his life. Heat escapes through the head. Not the hands.
Bullshit 😂
It's astonishing how quickly the temperature can drop on the eastern slopes of the Rockies. When I lived in Calgary, a chinook blew in and it went from shirt sleeves comfortable to freezing in 20-30 minutes. I joked at the time that you could almost hear the mercury "thump" as it dropped in the thermometers. I'm guessing Wyoming sees similar wild swings in weather conditions.
@@trawlins396 a few years ago I flew in to Dallas, TX for a work event in December. When we landed in the afternoon it was 78° and sunny. That night by 10 pm it was 29° and windy as hell. The temperature drop was shockingly fast in low elevation - I can only imagine in the mountains/high elevations.
@@1MiketheScribe a chinook is a warm wind, at best it was blowing out not in. I grew up in Calgary, the idea that we went from 26 degrees (celsius) to -6 in 30 minutes is laughably stupid.
There's no reason for the hate especially all of us that don't even know her. To think she was hiking Mountains in freezing temperatures in a bikini is ridiculous. When she got to the top she changed took the pictures and that was that. RIP bikini girl. 💯❤️❤️🇺🇸
She was probably wearing it under her clothes, like underwear, to make changing even easier.
Thank you for this video. I think you did a good job at defending her and pointing out that she was a legitimate hiker who had this entertaining gimmick. I also appreciate your gentle critique of her. Hiking off trail is dangerous. Poor woman - may she rest in peace.
Usually Kyle does not critique Hikers choices at all, because it is victim blaming. But he softly critiques her for showing her Body in the beginning. I didnt Like that part. It was really unnessecary.
i'm almost 60 years old and i've been solo hiking the Smokies since i was 11. hiked by myself in Cades Cove when i was that young. hiked LeConte alone when i was 18 and you could still be alone on alum cave trail. i hike alone because of being alone. sometimes the "alone" is the point. i taught my kids to love to hike but, sometimes when they were younger and driving me nuts, i hiked alone to keep from going insane lol.
Agree. I love hiking alone with my dog, the alone time is very theraputic
Sounds like you should have not had kids
@@Menstralsounds like you live under a rock
Or actually, in your moms basement
@Menstral how does anything she said make it sound like she shouldn't have kids?
@@Menstral you mean the 3 grown men who are higher educated, financially successful, and who are in long term relationships.... those guys? i shouldn't have been their Mom? the 3 guys who message me every day or call me or their dad every day.. those guys? are you jealous that we chose to hike with our kids their entire childhoods?.. or was it that we fished all the time with them and kayaked all the time with them? dude, i'm sorry you're miserable but honestly. it sounds like you deserve it. and as for me as a Mom, i don't hide behind a screen name. i am who i am. i'm not hard to find and neither are my kids. find them and tell them i shouldn't have been their Mom and see how that works out for you. tell them to their faces, and good luck with that. just because i had a hobby didn't make me a bad Mom, it made me a GREAT Mom. my sons were raised by a woman who knows what she's worth. you'll never be with a woman like that though because it takes a real man to know he's an equal and not the master. could you be any more red pilled? get up off that couch and step away from your keyboard and go do something awesome so the awesome things other people do with their lives don't make you so miserable.
If I waited for someone else to camp or hike with me I'd never have had the experiences I've lived and seen. No one I grew up with were outdoors people. Sad for them. 72 now. Still at it. Started as a Boy Scout.
people really hate people having fun.
Especially women, unfortunately and I mean it's often women who hate on other women.
_Some_ people. Most enjoy and appreciate watching others having fun; it's only the fraction of a percent of miserable idiots who hate it - otherwise, RUclips, Facebook, et. al. would have no business model.
I agree with the first part
@@MrJest2 he didn’t say all people either. You’re picking, unnecessarily. People like yourself, also help the digital world go around. Spamming.
@@kirstybrown1185 Ummm, pot, meet kettle.
Taiwanese here, Taiwan general public opinion is very hostile to people who ran into accidents when hiking in unofficial trails without applications beforehand, even more so if they went solo. When these people got into problems or disappear, it is always extremely hard to find them and the search operations often pose great danger to the rescuers, also 99% of the time it is just a body recovery operation by the time they are found. Taiwanese public heavily criticizes these people because they think it is a waste of resources with unnecessary danger, all for a dead person who does not value his/her life(I am not making accusation, just explaining this is the public opinion). I believe this is a cultural thing, Taiwan as part of Asian culture puts more emphasis on "Don't cause trouble for other people". There is no doubt Gigi is better than 99% of the hikers in Taiwan, it is no small feat to complete the Hundred Peaks challenge, and Gigi had more than the Hundred Peaks under her belt, but she did break one of the rules and the general public didn't like that. Her celibacy status which is overly sexualized by bloodlusty media sadly made thing worse. Personally, I don't care if she wore bikini to gain attention, everybody wants attention and everybody has a right to earn it, she earned her attention through actual hardship which is far more valid than most, she is just unfortunately, truly unfortunate.
People wear bikinis while spring skiing in Colorado, it's hot out but the snow hasn't melted yet.
When I was a young skier in Colorado I almost did the bikini skiing. I chickened out because of the road rash from a fall intimidated me. Did plenty of tank top ski days though.
A friend of mine broke her ankle while bikini skiing on a dare. Actually, we first met while she still had her ankle in a cast!
@@thing_under_the_stairs yeah dares are never good I suppose
Bi-ski-ni 😂
I have skied in shorts and a tshirt. It can easily be hot enough to do with still tons of snowpack.
I listened to the very end and man….. I felt so warm to learn that Taiwan updated some of their old paths and cellphone towers, in honor and remembrance of this vibrant hiker that introduced so many more to hiking. Wherever she is now I hope she’s at peace.
So glad I found your channel recently. Crazy stories…not sure I’ll start hiking but appreciate your storytelling abilities!
This is my favourite portrayal of this woman. She was a hiker who lost her life and people are bothered about dumb semantics that neither affected her death, her life, or their life. Sad little people. Thank you for your respectful mindset in what she’s allowed to show of herself. You show that the majority of men do not care about this kind of stuff, they’re not whiney brats, the worst are just the loudest and giving a bad name, any woman whinging about this is bitter and jealous and can tell no one otherwise. You hit the nail on the head about her mindset on why she did it and that was so important to hear for so many people. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
People aren't worried that. The media made the bikini hiker thing the focus.
Hi Kyle! I’m not a hiker, but I really like watching your videos. Thanks for the hard work!
Do you know how you can tell if a backpacker is a thru-hiker ?
Really, I hate hiking, which drew me to this channel. I love it. The channel, not hiking. Ugh.
@@noyopacific if this is a joke i'd love to know the punchline
@@jlt131 "Do you know how you can tell if a backpacker is a thru-hiker?" Answer: They will find a way to let you know as soon as they can.
@@noyopacific ah yes. Thru hikers, vegans, and CrossFit. 😜
I have been hiking since I was a child in Girl Scouts. I checked PeakBagger and in my state there are 17 peaks over 10k, and I have done most of them. The ones that would require full size packs and overnight stays, I have not done.
I would not hike alone. I don’t understand why people do. I get that isolation and silence in the wilderness are cathartic. And your list of reasons for hiking alone are valid. To me, it is entirely too treacherous. Things can go from zero to one hundred very fast. I had a friend standing next to a hiking partner who was standing next to him on a peak one second, and the edge gave way and he was gone, the next second. My friend took two days to get back to help. He knew it was a retrieval not a rescue, immediately. So he didn’t take any unnecessary risks to hurry. He was inconsolable for weeks. Everyone around him took time to just be with him. I would not hike alone.
Also, “back in my day”, super light equipment was expensive and only for those who were serious hikers. The rule I was taught was your gear should weigh less than half of you, preferably one third. Including you, and your shoes. I am not a large person. That isn’t much gear. My biggest investment was my shoes. Because I would be wearing those the entire time. Getting fatigued and blisters will kill you without trying too hard.
There. Let the haters begin.
I suggested that you do this story over a year ago. I'm glad you finally got around to it. I always assumed she fell while taking a selfie in a bikini on a snowy mountain top. Thanks for digging deep and getting to the truth.
I never assumed it….I read it when the news reported it that she made it, quickly switched into her bikini for the shot, accidentally slipped, feel, injured couldnt move, help couldn’t get to her due to bad weather & by the time they did, she froze to death 😢. But, never heard of her nor her story, so assumed nothing. I guess the news reported it wrong back then.
Rest in peace Gigi. People need to be kinder to each other, women especially, need to be more supportive of each other.
Kyle, I’m glad you’re covering this. No pun intended, of course.
This was a brave, highly capable, and beautiful lady! Her incredible climbing skills are what people should be focused on; not her bikini photos. May she rest peacefully. 🙏🏾
You do a really good job of stating the facts and not soiling a good persons name. This seems like a freak accident and I hope she’s at peace.
Considering she was 36, a grown woman, she made her own decisions. If people didn’t like her style they didn’t have to pay her any attention. Going off trail & going alone was a risk that she decided also, but to put rescuers at risk wasn’t hers to decide.
Do you mean she shouldn't have done anything that would have led to the need for rescuers and searches?
@@consciousobserver629I think they mean that it's an unfortunate situation but no one is to blame. She had a right to hike daringly, and the rescuers also have a right to decide the level of risk they were comfortable with. So no one did anything "wrong", it just lined up in this situation where she wasn't able to be reached in time.
That is their job, their sole purpose. Silly comment at the end
@@tThisNThat The same way she put herself at EXTREME risk going off trail, the rescuers were too. Why would it be any different for them?
This
People are quick to jump on any excuse to judge and dismiss women, and the sensationalist headlines were shameful. Thank you for telling this story in a more fair and accurate way.
True. And still, he spends a veery long time discussing her choice of clothing that does not have any relevance to the incident.
@@holymoly9338dayum
Well, she sorta exploited the sensational.
@@jeannerogers7085if it was a man only wearing his trousers hiking nobody would care.
@@holymoly9338 true, that bothered me too.
It's called Paradoxical Undressing when people get "hot" at the end stage of hypothermia. Poor Gigi had zero body fat on top of everything so she had no chance. Really sad. She must have been so lonely. 😢
Well, at least she felt warm, and didn't know what was happening. RIP, dear girl.
? This makes no sense. Paradoxical undressing is when you’re hypothermic and you undress. You’re getting it backwards. She normally strips for a pic. The time she died. She was fully dressed. Which means she never paradoxically undressed, or she would have been, undressed. You should really state that you mean about her taking her jacket off. In a video about a bikini hiker. Your comment is pretty confusing with the context you’ve missed and won’t help the people spreading misinformation about her.
@@kirstybrown1185they found her coat next to her. She took it off....
@@kirstybrown1185you have it backwards. She wasn’t found wearing a bikini, she didn’t die of hypothermia because of her photo shoot. She took her jacket off because of paradoxical undressing and was wearing otherwise normal hiking clothes.
@@christopherblodgett8362 thank you
I'm guilty of watching a ton of your videos without subscribing. I enjoy your content, but this video was especially touching due to the empathy and respect you showed for the subject. I am finally a subscriber.
Sad that the most truthful syory of her passing is from a RUclipsr. Media is just toxic. Great video, I look forward to the next one.
I used to carry over 80 lbs just being homeless. I think she was just trying to be extra safe... maybe? also, the comment you made about hypothermia... I would've never known that. That's actually really good to know. When I get cold I often start to feel overheated and feel that urge to remove some clothing. (my body is so bad at regulating temperature)
I knew this...in fact when I've actually been hot in a sleeping bag I sometimes am really wary because I don't know if I'm just too hot or it's hypothermia....it was the former! Strange cos I should have been super cold given the conditions, but I think the site and bag and mattress did their job properly. Also a good 4 season tent, you can get upto 17 degrees or more up there with body warmth. Real shame Gigi could not put her tent up, she would have likely survived if so.
There is no reason she cannot be seeking attention, getting clicks and getting paid, and serving the hiking community all at once. Better than doing only fans.
They for sure could have gotten to her
YOUR RIGHT ABOUT THAT..
Bascially the same thing. She's getting paid to post bikini photos. Doesn't matter where she posts them the content would be the same 😂
@@SilverGhxst lol. Only fans is not just bikini pics. You are comparing a PG movie to a porno.
My fiancé visited Taiwan in August of last year to visit his son, who is working there. They hiked a little but he said never again, unless it’s closer to winter because it was so unbelievably hot.
70lbs pack, that's a beast! Horrible if that is what got her killed but this lady was working hard. Find a model that will carry a 70 lbs pack
That’s a lot of weight
and she was not that big either. Another post said that UL gears are very expensive in Taiwan, thus, are not widely used.
I'm a woman , I hike solo, and I enjoy every moment .
Me too, but I have a big dog....big. L0l
Me too. Solo is the way to go for me and a day when I see no one on trail is bliss!
I am a woman and I am terrified of solo hiking! if i know a local trail well and I have the dog along, i will sometimes do 1-2 km on my own, but never further than that... and i'm always relieved when i'm back within sight of the trailhead again.
there are just too many weirdos in the bush here, along with the cougars and bears and my own clutziness. :D but kudos to those that can do it! just stay safe!
I’m an older guy, and I love the outdoors. I always enjoyed seeing female hikers getting out there solo. I just like seeing more people enjoying the outdoors, men or women. My land shares a border with a national park, so I can sneak on the trail whenever I want. I see more females solo hiking every year. I do give ladies more space on the trail, if I see one I try to get their attention by saying “hello”, when they’re still a good distance from me. I don’t want to surprise a woman that might not see me ahead of her. So I’ll wave and say hi just to get their attention and then I keep walking. Because again, I don’t want to make the woman uncomfortable walking next to me, a strange man in the woods! 😅. If I were a woman, solo hiking would be scary to me I know that. So I just try to do what I’d want someone to do for me. It’s sad that women have to really be in fear on some level when hiking solo. Nature has been such a healing thing for so many people. Ladies need to have the opportunity to enjoy that, without fear, just as much as I do.
@@jlt131 I can completely understand how you feel the way you do. Even as a man, I can understand why any woman would feel worry at the very least when they’re hiking alone. As someone that literally lives near the trails around me (western upper peninsula in Michigan), I see plenty of questionable hikers out there. I especially pay attention to the guys that are on a trail while wearing regular pants and shoes with almost no supplies for an overnight hike.
I will often just hang out on the trail and give people energy bars and water or something. So I get to hear the stories from people about any strange acting people on the trail. Just me being there has caused two male hikers that had been scaring a woman that stopped to talk to me and get some water. They came right up behind her, just off the trail like they were trying to hide or something. All while I sat there with her! It was completely shocking to me that this poor girl had to deal with that. I was more than happy to put the fear of god in those men. I even agreed to hike out with her until she got to her vehicle. I could never leave any person male or female out on the trail when they’ve told me someone is scaring them. Even if I thought that fear was irrational. I know it doesn’t feel irrational to that person going through that.
There just should be no reason for anyone to be worried about people hiking around them. But that’s where we are in this world. You cannot trust anybody these days. That’s pretty sad too. Especially when you’re talking about enjoying the outdoors. Thats where I’ve always gone to find peace and quiet. Being deep in the woods where few people have ever been to even is my church. It’s my safe place. That’s why it’s just so hard for me to tolerate those that steal that kind of joy away from the activity. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I wasn’t comfortable around groups of people anymore. So this cabin and my land was where I disappeared too. I lost everything else anyway when the recession hit. Without this place, without this land, I’m not so sure I’d still be alive to be honest. I live deep in the woods, surrounded by over a thousand acres of my own land, and probably tens of thousands of acres of the Ottawa National Forest. I rarely ever even hear a car let alone see one. And to get to the trail from my cabin is a very long walk through a lot of swamp. So I only see people if I actually want to or need to for some reason. Talking to hikers is one thing I can do to have some contact with people. But that’s it really, unless I want to drive 15 minutes into “town”, which is 1 gas station and a blinking yellow light. 😂
I just hope that people can find the peace that I did being out in nature. So when I have to, I make sure hikers feel safe. If I could do more, I definitely would.
These are some of the reason why it bothers me so much that people could ruin that opportunity for someone else.
Great video Kyle, there's so much misinfo, victim blaming and hate out there.
Thank you for telling her story. She had an accident. Something that could have happened to any solo hiker. She even had a satellite phone and got through to a friend. It actually sounds like they got to her pretty quickly considering how remote she was. It’s just sad it wasn’t in time.😢 It’s nice to hear the government has decided to improve trails and cell reception.
This happened here in Taiwan and it shocked our hiking community.
This is a sad and tragic story. I get why people solo hike. We never truly consider the risks involved until it's too late. On the other hand, live life by your own terms, do what you love, and regret nothing. As long as you are not hurtling anyone else, go for it! RIP Gigi Wu.
I don't hike, but I do fall down a lot. I understand your suggested reasons why Gigi fell and why you and other hikers need to talk about it and figure it out. But as for me, I fall on even surfaces such as my living room, the driveway, and on public walkways. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of inattention, a trash can suddenly appearing or a cat underfoot. Nothing you can do but grab the nearest standing lamp or pedestrian but if those aren't available then gravity has its way. So maybe she just tripped. And although my falls are humorous, if painful, Gigi's fall took her life and that is scary. Scary that one misstep, or overloaded pack should cause your death. So enjoy life while you can; Gigi did! We should all live our lives doing what we enjoy the most.
I was thinking the same thing. one second of not t paying attention and you could be embarrassed or even dead.
This doesn't sound normal. Have you had it investigated? Very often, random falls for no reason are connected to problems/imbalances in the ear canal. Hope you get yourself checked out thoroughly. Even falls at home can be extremely dangerous. My mother had a fall at home 10 years ago and suffered a brain injury as a result, which literally destroyed her life. She went from being completely independent to needing help with absolutely everything.
@@letsrock1729 Oh dear. Thank you for your concern. I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. You truly can never know when these things will happen. That is heartbreaking. And I'm an older woman myself. Well, I have a physical in July and will tell my dr about it. Thank you.
@@anna3036 It's so true that you never know when these things might happen. My mum's accident made me realise that life can truly change forever in a second. I admit that I've become horribly paranoid...like if someone leaves a bag on the floor, for example, I have to move it so that no one will potentially trip over it. I'm constantly on the look out for trip hazards. My mum was only 73 when she had her accident, which isn't really very elderly. Yes, please do mention these things to your doctor.
@@letsrock1729 I'm sorry for that. Many people don't realize how falls can be incredibly dangerous; people die from falls due to one issue or another all the time - especially toppling over to a hard surface like a floor or pavement. I myself have balance issues due to nerve damage in my legs (motorcycle accident years ago); if I can't see clearly or at least touch a surface like a wall for mental reference, I have zero kinesthetic feedback below the knees/mid-thighs. I literally have no way to know where my feet are unless I can see them. So I'm very careful and conscious of how I move, and verify things visually mostly. My own mother fell last year, and her shoulder joint just shattered - she had to have her whole shoulder joint replaced with a prosthetic implant, and we spent about five months just caring for her while she recovered.
kyle, thank you for taking the time to report ms. woo’s sad story. she seemed small & was slender. just about any size pack would appear huge on her.
also, a winter pack with winter clothing and gear would also be fuller & heavier.
her fitness and backpacking /hiking fervor is inspiring to hear. i am sorry she suffered to an untimely death.
(note: in my younger days, i backpacked solo and usually carried a heavy pack - but stayed on trails. i was too short to hike off trail and maneuver over boulders & through vegetation with an unwieldy pack.)
It’s crazy how she was able to carry 70lbs! She doesn’t look like she weighs more than 110. I weigh 110 and anything over 25 is hard on me :,)
*this is def not hate! I absolutely love her and she’s inspired me so much
There’s a RUclips channel called “Beast Runners” and they’ve come upon solo hikers who fell to their deaths similar to Gigi, and it’s usually from people going off trail not realizing the danger they’re putting themselves in. As the man in the videos says “don’t hike alone, it’s very dangerous”, I can see why solo hiking can end in tragedy very quickly.
There are still a lot of people who believe that a beautiful woman can't be intelligent or skilled at anything. Women can be beautiful AND smart AND skilled, amazingly!
Wow. Such insight.
@@sheikyerbouti39 U mad, bro?
@@hannahp1108 😁
This is just a general comment. Being from Northern Canada, I have seen this issue over and over from visitors coming to my area from more temperate areas. Visitors to extreme cold climates often don't know how to dress, and don't understand the clothing needed to keep warm. I've also lived on 4 continents, in tropical and temperate climates. A good example would be 'winter' coats I've seen for sale in Singapore. At best, those coats would be early spring/late fall coats, and not definitely January or February wear in Canada.
Another issue, especially for women, is wanting to look good and choosing form over function, that being this looks better or will photograph well instead of sturdier, warmer clothing or gear that would be better for the cold conditions that would be encountered.
As a side note, we were taking 2 hiking trips in Ireland in October about 25 yrs ago. Because it was the end of season, gortex coats were picked over. I ended up buying an XS men's coat in a butt ugly brown color. It was amazing and worked well in some very rainy weather. In addition, because of the types of pockets on this coat, it was my go-to for airline travel. I was bemoaning this coat to my friend, a guy who had been a soldier in N. Ireland during the troubles. He noted that it was an excellent coat, as it didn't draw attention, either from airport security or thieves.
It sounds like this gal simply had an accident, and was able to contact someone for help appropriately. In such a short call, she was able to convey good information to try to get the help she needed, but things didn't work out for her.
Bad weather hampers all attempts to rescue; having a fall and (it seems) a major back injury due to bad weather is a particularly dangerous situation. I'm not sure there would have ever been any real hope for her; it's tragic. But, well, _life_ is dangerous, and there are no guarantees.
Gigi Wu was an amazing Hiker! She was fearless and brave, and taiwan is a great place to hike, hopefully one day, I will! Thanx 4 the story. RIP Gigi
She was a skilled hiker who got into a dire predicament and the media made a mockery of her death. May she rest in peace.
It's sad all the way around prepared or not, a young woman doing what she loved died 😢
But isn't that the absolute best way to go? How much better than spending 5 years visiting oncology first Tuesday of every month for 5 years 😢
I guess I always have a hard time making my mind when some online "influencer" passes away, either by falling from the top of a building, or doing anything that was gathering him/ her likes online, or whatever else got them " famous".
I do not rejoice in any way or form, of course, and I do feel sorry for the families left behind, but that race to becoming famous at all cost gives ideas that would not occur to anyone otherwise if social media was not involved.
I've suffered from Hypothermia once, and it happened in June, up in Yellowstone National park, years and years ago. I've been a lot more careful since then. What ever she died from, it is sad. But some of those pictured just showed how thin she was, when you can see her ribs.
Hi Kyle just wanted to say I Love your channel, followed you from the start, love to see the growth. Your videos are appreciated . Love to see how much your channel is growing!
Posing in bikini is esthetic in itself and thus beautiful and welcome.
It doesn’t have to have a purpose.
Yeah, maybe she just thought she looked cute. Nothing wrong with a woman feeling herself. Of course a lot of people don't like when a woman shows independence and confidence.
@@lonesparrowhummm okay 😂
I watched a documentary on this, but your delivery is so much better, I had no issues hearing this story again because it was you telling the story and bringing your experienced opinion to the story, good work sir!
Gigi Wu. She died doing what she loved. I believe she did slip and fall on wet rocks in a storm with a fairly heavy pack (two week trek). Slipping like this is actually fairly common for experienced hikers especially if you are descending and a little tired towards the end of the day. Seventy pounds is the weight that White Mountain Appalachian Hut Crews regularly re-supply the food to the huts on their backs using wooden ruck-sacks and these guys and gals have very strong legs and are ascending with it most of the time.
23:13
I'm sorry, I dont find the headlines misleading at all.
They're just calling her the bikini hiker, none of them said she was in one, that's just how she's known, which is why most put that part in parentheses.
If they didnt mention the "bikini hiker" most people, unless there's a pic, wouldn't know who they're talking about.
No, the stories they wrote were misleading! They wrote she was changing after taking a photo and fell to her death-which is an absolute lie.
You think they didn't know what the public perception would be when they wrote "Bikini hiker freezes to death on a mountain"
They could've said "Bikini hiker dies on mountain."
a better title would be "Gigi Wu (aka bikini hiker) fell and died", the thing about hypothermia wouldn't be so sure right when it happened, until some days passed and more info is provided.
They needed to include her nickname because who would know her overseas by name.
Yes, many news outlets are trash and don't even verify the story before publishing.
I'm so glad you did this story. When I first heard the story something didn't seem right.
This young woman died while doing what she loved most. I would wish this for everyone on earth when their time comes.
R.I.P. Ms. Wu. Gone but not forgotten. You achieved your 100 highest peaks goal. Well done. ⚘️
I remember how viral this was, and the hateful insensitive comments were everywhere. People treated her death like it was a joking matter. Must have made things EXTRA painful for her family and friends. 💔
Hello 👋 Kyle, thank you for sharing this informative video. Back in 1996 I spent 2 weeks in Taiwan. I did one hike in East Central Taiwan. It was a leisurely hike in a heavily forested area. It was a most beautiful area. I regret that I did not have time to explore the more mountainous areas. Kyle keep up your great videos. Always stay safe out there. 😊
I understand hiking alone is very dangerous but I also understand wanting the peace of being by yourself in nature. This poor girl died and the media absolutely did her wrong. I truly hope she’s resting in peace in a place with a lot of hiking trails for her to enjoy.
Interesting channel, I am a solo hiker in the Swiss mountains for about 8-9 years now, over 13,000km in total, so obviously had some injuries and close calls but you grow and learn to evaluate the risks better and realize it's never too late to turn back...
Amazing and sad story... Thank you for your research and coverage. I don't know how you showed up on my messed up algorithm, but I like it. 🤙
This is your most meaningful video yet. She was an incredible hiker, who didn’t deserve all the hate she received after her tragic death.
I’m 37 and if I looked that good in a bikini still I’d be doing the same thing. There’s nothing wrong in a woman expressing herself and reveling in her own femininity. She’s beautiful and she hikes. Everyone enjoys doing some dangerous risky things. Some people enjoy it more than others but what is life if you’re not doing what you love and what you find exciting? I’m almost 40 and my only regrets are that I didn’t do more of those things that other people said wasn’t a good idea. She died doing what she loved, and what’s the alternative? Dying from old age in a bed after losing control of your fine and large motor skills or control of your bowels or forgetting your own family? No thanks. Let people live their lives and just because you don’t understand or agree doesn’t make them wrong or less than.
it the va that she was exposing herself on social media opens the door for opinion, people have the right not to like it or not agree with it... if you flaunt yourself you have to be ready to take the compliment as well as the critique.
@@melodiechartier5173 of course, but after she’s dead? What good does having a hurtful opinion do after the fact that she died? You can disagree all you want but that doesn’t make her wrong or less than.
You’re still young
@@SwedePotato314you're just trying to rationalize because you feel sorry for her.
@@SwedePotato314and stop lying. You definitely wouldn't be in the woods in a bikini.
I’m really glad you took time to make this video with the facts. I remember reading about this when it happened. And yeah, the media made me think she was out there hiking in a bikini and I remember thinking ‘well yeah she died’. And I feel bad for those thoughts now. I appreciate your efforts and concern with the truth. RIP Gigi 💕
The fact that people thought she actually climes in the bikini says a lot about the people who. Moment.
Thanks for the video. I had never heard of her before but think that she was very courageous to do what she was doing - hiking so often, hiking alone, and sharing her story. Also, what an absolutely terrifying way to go - knowing the cold was coming and that you couldn't help yourself. Horrible that she died all alone up there and shame on those that ripped her apart afterwards. I think jealousy is the motive behind it. Also, well done video. Haven't seen you before but definitely worth subscribing.
Mount Washington in NH ew Hampshire every year hikers die due to weather changing...crazy
Very dangerous
I enjoy all your videos. You are a very talented storyteller. I have never hiked beyond well-worn trails in state parks. More of a stroll really… yet, am still compelled to listen to your stories about it. Your kindness and consideration of other opinions is very evident in your words.
Sorelle Amore has been taking bikini shots for years, she didn’t hike in that way, it was just a photo op. I am assuming it is the same for Gigi. I am very sorry she got hypothermia. It could happen to any one of us.
Yep, it has been confirmed that Gigi didn't actually hike in a bikini, she hiked in proper clothes and just put her bikini on for a photoshoot. She was a competent hiker.
Those cruel comments you read are the exact reason social media worries me. It’s not the attention seeking, that we all do on socials, it’s the dehumanization that seems to happen when you look at people you will never meet in person. The keyboard cruelty is a sad phenomenon. Especially after somebody passes away. Those comments would be so painful to her parents. With any story you share, I can’t help but feel it in my heart as a Mom. Rest peacefully Gigi.
Many women in California up in the hills to meet a photographer for modeling, this guy was caught after killing a couple of ladys.
Thank you for another very balanced story. Your stories will save lives. Thank you.
I gotta admit that joke that mentioned about her "hitting bikini bottom" cracked me up!
She was totally experienced. She was on a sketchy section of high consequence. It was wet.
When you slip wearing a full pack, the weight of the pack makes it difficult to regain control. Accidents happen.
This is where solo hiking is dangerous, everything to prevent hypothermia was in her pack, she needed somebody else to get it.
You can have an inReach, or a sat phone, and a puffy jacket and not make it.
You could also get in a car accident on a public street and have 50 people simultaneously dialing 911, and not make it.
I'm with you, Gigi. I'll take the mountains and their risk any day. RIP
I'm surprised that she even had the strength to make that phone call after falling 65ft into a ravine. Without shelter, she had 3 hours max after she fell. The weather was so bad that the helicopters couldn't fly even the next day. That means high winds and rain, and that means that 3 hours would be shortened by about half.
Everyone has an opinion. Thank you for sharing her story from an informative and respectful viewpoint
I heard a quote a while ago about opinions. 'Opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one, it's just some stink more than others'.
Im glad that you actually do the research. Your comments are respectful.
Her backpack weighed 65 lbs. Basically her condition rivaled that of Sherpas.
The risks i take when i go on solo hikes are always serious, one wrong step or if the weather forecast is wrong comes with severe consequences.
More podcasts please :) Love the channel!
Me too ❤❤😊