According to the warning sign near the top of North Peak, 15 people have died in falls while climbing Seneca Rocks since 1971. To the Rodolphbrothers of Casper, the Leg Lake Cirque was known as the China Wall. Unfortunately, climber Tony Rich, 33, happened to be in the path of their barrage and was killed. The rocks are over 900 feet above the North Fork River and form a stunning formation. 28/55 Activities: Camping, Hiking, Swimming Holes, Rock Climbing, Whitewater, Fishing, Sight Seeing. I tried to think like Pete.. There are exotic theories for the Gendarme's collapse -- reverberations from low-flying military jets, a sudden shift in temperature -- but Markwell believes "it probably just crumbled of old age. This is not something you would expect to see in West Virginia, but I believe it is what makes it so special. (Source: Brian Julian, 31), Both Julian and Fraser were in our shop earlier in the day. The garage is now almost as big as the house; Pete added a climbing gym, financing the effort with $250 membership fees wrangled from friends. Herlihy did his part, belaying and hauling and drilling in an occasional bolt. Traffic Jam, which takes the form of a hill, is one of the most common rappelling options. Within walking distance is an original homestead that was built in 1839 and added on to in the 1860s. Im so sorry for your loss, Aaron Rodolph said. The first recorded ascent of Seneca Rocks was made in 1830 by two young men from Virginia, Edward Pendleton and Mayo Fauntleroy. Visiting Seneca Rocks. The sale is a semi-annual fundraiser for the. The rocks are a magnificent formation rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. Herlihy wrestled with Absolons body to retrieve the gear hed need to get down. Most of the fatalities at Seneca Rocks have been caused by falls, although there have also been deaths due to heart attacks and exposure. His sketches were reworked and published two decades later as a popular wood engraving in an 1872 issue of Harpers New Monthly Magazine. One of the best-known scenic attractions in West Virginia, the sheer rock faces are a popular challenge for rock climbers. Seneca Rocks Death & Burial Records. Check out the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center to learn more about the areas rich history and nature. The documented climbing history of the Rocks begins in 1935 with a roped descent - the ascent was a steep hike of the North Peak by Paul Bradt and Florence Perry. The routes are also wide, ranging in length from 60 to 300 feet, with pitches ranging from one to six feet. The rangers there are quite helpful and very knowledgeable. Just up the road from NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is an area called Seneca Rocks, where rock climbers have long tested their mettle on one such fin. Molly and her friend pressed on, got lost, found their way down around midnight, and slinked past the Gendarme, where Absolon sat with his pals, watching with amusement. It was a favorite spot that neither Aaron nor Luke had seen for a while. Funeral Supplies & Services. Contact the editor if interested in report. An official website of the Yes, flower arrangements are fulfilled and delivered by local florists from Seneca Rocks. Tacitus, in his Annals (15.60-64), describes the details and circumstances of Seneca's death. OPEN 24 Hours. Check out our "seneca rocks" selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Yes, simply click Add a photo located underneath the main photo of the obituary then upload the photos/videos you wish to share. We both had packs on. Im struggling with this feeling that Rodolph has gotten off really lightly.. It does not overlook Seneca Rocks, which are several hundred feet taller and half a mile away. Getting into the bubble, he called it. A week later, under lowering skies, more than 300 people streamed into a meadow near Sinks Canyona popular sport-climbing hub near Landerfor a memorial service. Maybe you dont get forgiveness that easily, he adds. Once there, he tied the ropes together and fixed them for the final rap to the base. Some pointed out that climbers cast plenty of stones themselvesnot just to clean a route but for the gravitational fun of it. One of them, Anthony C. Barnes, 30, a Washingtonian who had climbed Gendarme dozens of times, was perched on a nearby ledge, instructing three students in the art of rock climbing. Not long after they cameto Lander, the Absolons moved into an 1,100-square-foot log home east of town. But Jed Williamson, the seriess managing editor, says that most accidents occur as a result of naturally falling rock and that, of some 625 reported deaths and injuries involving falling objects since 1951, only a handful resulted from rocks being thrown. I was out exploring and ended up. On hot days, Seneca Rocks is an excellent place to take in the sights, as well as a great place for a hike with your family. 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We hiked up to the wall, put on our gear. [7] They left behind an estimated 75 thousands soft iron pitons, some of which can still be found on the rocks,[6] and which inspired one of the faces to be named "The Face of a Thousand Pitons". [13][14] The current visitor center known as the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center was completed in the fall of 1998 on a 5 million dollar grant. Map Information. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. Fall is an especially good time to hike up to see the vast expanse of turning leaves. [15], The "Seneca Rock" turnpoint at 385003N 792204W / 38.83417N 79.36778W / 38.83417; -79.36778 has been used by glider pilots for gliding competitions and soaring awards because its distinctive appearance in aerial photographs made it suitable for photo documentation of the flight performance. The first European visitors to see the region were surveyors who passed through around 1746, and the first settlers arrived at Mouth of Seneca fifteen years later. If youre looking for a climbing adventure thats a little off the beaten path, look no further than Seneca Rocks. They saw no one after leaving the trail. Website More Info. We hiked up to the wall, put on our gear. ( Before the memorial service near Sinks Canyon, the Rodolph brothers inquired discreetly whether they could attend and pay their respects. The Rocks themselves were purchased by the federal government in 1969[9] from the heirs of D. C. After William's death, his descendants had remodeled the home until 1947 before the U.S. Forest Service bought the property in the late '60s. In the suspended silence that followed Absolons death, he fought a surge of panic over the possibility that more was on the way. (see image left). United States. by Tiffany | Nov 2, 2022 | Climbing | 0 comments. So there is a lot more to the area than just the rocks themselves," said Kelly Bridges, Monongahela National Forest public affairs officer. ), View of the trail / road (Roy Gap Road) to the South Peak area in the morning, Climber on "Castor," east face of Seneca Rocks, Climber on top of "Bring on the nubiles", west face of Seneca Rocks, Vertical panorama of "Triple S" on the west face of Seneca Rocks. Aaron had been building a landscaping business in Casper, while Luke had spent four years in the U.S. Armys 82nd Airborne Division, including two tours in Iraq, before coming home to work with his brother. Local Seneca Rocks West Virginia 14 Day Extended Forecasts Both the East and West faces of the North and South Peak offer single and multi-pitch routes up to 300ft in length. Locals say the Leg Lake Cirque attracts maybe one climbing party a year. Elkins, WV 26241 The 360-degree views at the top are breathtaking, in addition to the stunning views from the top. The couple moved to Berkeley, then Lander, where Pete took a NOLS instructor course and began working for the school. Absolon was amped for the climbplanning meticulously, leaving Herlihy a flurry of phone messages in the final hours before their departure. In the last decade, a half dozen climbers have been killed scrambling up and over Seneca Rocks' twin peaks. About a dozen dwellings were found. The historic ascent of Paul Bradt, Don Hubbard, and Sam Moore in 1939 found an inscription of "D.B. I looked at my watch: it was 3:27. Eons of geologic activity followed, as the ocean slowly closed and the underlying rock uplifted and folded. I lost a guy I knew, my hero. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Seneca Rocks Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. Since Pete Absolonsdeath, Luke Rodolph has lived quietly in Casper. Sandbags are used on these routes, which are becoming rarer in recent years. [citation needed], The original visitor center was opened in 1978, constructed on a grant of $297,000. He considered bringing the body along but decided the effort would slow him down and might get him killed. A deadly mistake by another man ended it all in an instantand started a nightmare that's never going to stop. But Pete didnt sign up for this kind of risk.. He works for his brothers landscaping service and spends a lot of time praying and trying to stay focused on my walk with Christ. The news that he wouldnt be prosecuted was no cause for celebration. In addition, Newell noted, Rodolph had taken responsibility immediately, had been cooperative with authorities, had no prior record, and was a military veteran. But he considers such heroics the least of his friends accomplishments. Aaron put his arm around him and asked if it would be all right if they prayed. Seneca Rocks is a large crag and local landmark in Pendleton County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, United States.The south peak is one of a small number of peaks inaccessible except by technical rock climbing techniques on the East Coast of the United States. Dave DiPaolo, who struggled with drugs and mental illness, pleaded guilty to the 2013 slaying of his former climbing mentor, Geoff Farrar, at Carderock in Maryland . And, always remember to take the necessary safety precautions to help reduce the risks. He was startled to see four young men running toward him. Its like getting hit by a meteor or something., Molly has made no decision yet about whether to pursue a civil suit. Please read our privacy policy. Seneca Rocks is where thousands of soldiers from all over the world train. In most cases, the climbers who have died were experienced and well-prepared, but accidents can happen to even the most experienced climbers. By that time a guide had come and helped me. Undoubtedly Native Americans scaled the rocks prior to European settlers reaching the area, but there is no record of their ascents. One of the best-known scenic attractions in West Virginia, the sheer rock faces are a popular challenge for rock climbers. I just lost my husband and the father of my child, and Im mad and sad, Molly Absolonsays. The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is at the bottom of Seneca Rocks and has a view of the vertical side of the majestic formation. It has been mining gemstones for over a century since 1891, and the restaurant debuted in 1988. there were rock-climbing buddies from his early days as a guide at seneca rocks, west virginia; tales of mount mckinley's west rib and big ice in alberta; former nols students and staff who'd. I agree that Luke Rodolph did the right thing after he did the wrong thing, she says. Seneca Rocks, West Virginia obituaries further detail where the woman in question grew up, attended schools and worked. Luke led the way to a 15-foot promontory jutting into space. Night - Cloudy with a 49% chance of precipitation. Rodolph listened quietly. Hed lost a close friend two weeks into his first deployment, after they changed seats one morning in a Humvee. The trail starts off at the back of the main parking lot for Seneca Rocks as a flat gravel . From their lofty perch, Snow Bird and her future mate surveyed the surrounding realm of the Seneca that would be theirs to rule one day. Map showing recreational areas. 43 F. RealFeel 37. They were told to stay away. West Virginia, Seneca Rocks, Old Man's Route On June 6, 1994, Alex Fraser (23) fell to his death at Seneca Rocks. The south peak is one of a small number of peaks inaccessible except by technical rock climbing techniques on the East Coast of the United States. SENECA ROCKS, W.Va. - It is hard to miss Seneca Rocks. The two most recent fatalities occurred in 1985, Markwell said. Even without the extra weight, it took him an hour to rappel to the ledge. Everyone whos never thrown a rock off a cliff, raise your hand, wrote one poster. As you walk up the trail to the top of the Rocks make sure to stop at the signs scattered throughout the trail that will provide insight into specific natural formations among other things. Death. They found a couple of old bolts below the ledge, then nothing farther up. I told him not to move. Its hard for me to go in there.. Seneca Rocks freerangecoffee $25.00 FREE shipping Vintage Seneca Fashionables Swirl Avocado Green Footed On the Rocks Cocktail Glasses - set of 4 AtomicStarTreasures (903) $36.00 More colors Cool Rock Climbing tank top CRAGHUNTER Bouldering climber Retro Great gift idea crag crux Outdoor Climbing Seneca Rocks New River Gorge VentureWorks (353) However, the views from the top are definitely worth the effort! The famous Great Indian Warpath, known locally as the "Seneca Trail", followed the Potomac River, allowing the Algonquian, Tuscarora, and Seneca nations to transit the area for purposes of trade and war. The investigation began at 9 a.m., but officers were unable to immediately determine the cause of death or the circumstances leading up to the victim's death, according to a statement from . Interest rates for Seneca Rocks are at historic lows as well. If youre looking for groceries, you can drive 30 minutes north to Petersburg, West Virginia. Absolon informed Armbrecht that she and a companion werent on the route they thought they were on. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Hearst Connecticut Media / Lisa Backus. The absence of Gendarme, which was the most visible symbol of Seneca Rocks, may spur a cottage industry in revisionist postcards, pennants and other souvenirs. Such loose terminology is part of what troubles her about how the case has been handled by the authorities. "We miss it," said Mildred Alt, who had a view of the Gendarme from the counter at the center, where she has worked for six years. But Absolon wanted to nail the last pitch, and Herlihy agreed that it didnt look like much trouble, particularly with Pete in the lead. You should go look at the gym, she tells me. Seneca Rocks Discover Center is located at 13 Roy Gap Road. In 17 years of climbing the area, Absolon had never tried the cirque before; there was better rock not much farther away. In the United States, an average of six people die while rock climbing each year. Luckily, the climber in the video below wasnt one of them. However, based on reports from local news outlets and the West Virginia Climbers Coalition, at least eight people have died while climbing Seneca Rocks since 2000. Seneca Rocks West Virginia has a latitude of 38.834499359131 and a longitude of -79.376197814941. There are 375 major mapped climbing routes, varying in degree from 5.0 (the easiest) to 5.13 (the hardest). The Seneca Rocks Trail at the Monongahela National Forest in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia is a moderate 3.2 mile out-and-back hike that leads up to the top of Seneca Rocks and an amazing 360-degree views of West Virginia's mountains and the valley below. If you are considering climbing Seneca Rocks, or any other rock climbing spot, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. When you reach the top, take a break from the observation deck to see the view. Browse Obituaries and Death Records in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. On 14 November George Frederick "Fred" Schladen (30) fell to his death at about 1015 while climbing unroped below the Broadway Ledge below South Peak on Seneca Rocks. Seneca Rocks is a prominent and visually striking formation rising nearly 900 feet above the confluence of Seneca Creek with the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. At a Glance General Information Directions: Since 1971, 15 people have died while climbing the craggy peak, according to a sign at the top. Everything you need to be ready to step out prepared. He thought he was going to jail.. The three were charged with negligent endangerment and received a combination of fines, community service, and jail time. Here is the account of his partner. Located at the intersection of Route 33 and Route 55 in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. Visit this link to create a free obituary then read the advantages of creating an obituary on Echovita and either click Start now or Create an obituary for your loved to begin. [11][12] On May 26, 1992, the visitor center was destroyed by arson. STRANDED, FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING UNROPED, EXCEEDING, West Virginia, Seneca Rocks, Old Mans Route. The Roy Gap Road, which leads to theStair Master, can be a difficult hike, and the routes are even more difficult. What came out of his mouth next amazed the Rodolph brothers, who were half expecting him to attack them. SENECA ROCKS, W.Va. (WDVM) Deep in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest lies Seneca Rocks, which offers the perfect place to unplug, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy stunning views. When he returned hours later, emotionally exhausted, Rodolph was still in the yard. Excavation for the building of the present Seneca Rocks Visitor Center uncovered evidence of two villages,[4] the more recent of which thrived about 700 years ago. Then he crouched down and leaned farther over the edge to watch its descent. I had my harness on, but Alex did not. Winds SW at 4 to 6 mph (6.4 to 9.7 kph). There are a few classic Seneca climbs that are much too difficult for you to climb. NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! Hiking, climbing, camping, and rock climbing are all options. Technical routes also exist on the Lower Slabs, located on the slopes below the west face of the North Peak, and on the Southern Pillar, directly across Roy Gap from the South Peak. The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is located at the base of the rocks. More than anything, Im just so sad for Avery. On Saturday, Luke and Aaron decided to take Eli and Eric to the China Wall. For example, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia obituaries might reveal to you that the subject was born in 1957, and that she had four siblings. West Virginia, Seneca Rocks. This area is considered a "scramble" and is normally climbed unroped by experienced parties. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. At least one valid email address is required. Make connections to the area's natural and cultural history with activities for the young and young at heart. A popular romance of the Rocks "The Betrothal of Snow Bird, Princess of the Seneca Indians" was written in 1932 by Harry Malcolm Wade. You can click this link to create an obituary. Deaths in Seneca Rocks on YP.com. Our Guides Arthur Kearns View All Guides Many things have changed since the seventies but Seneca Rocks Climbing School continues to deliver top rate climbing instruction Its not like I could have any kind of perspective on the act or whether Luke did it intentionally. Search Seneca Rocks obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Molly shudders when she reads accounts that refer to Petes death as a climbing accident. Pete and Steve could have been at equal or greater risk from a thrown rock if they were hiking at the base of the cliff, she says. Parsons: (304) 478-3251 But late in July hed gone camping at Leg Lake with his wife, Molly, and their six-year-old daughter, Avery. At this point, Ive accepted that this is what God wants. [5] In the 1930s and 1940s only a few climbers, mostly from the Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh areas, attempted to climb Seneca Rocks. We always try to get with victims and get their input, but we never let them make the call, he says. At one point in the night, a helicopter circled above them, raking a searchlight across the face of the cirque. All rights reserved. General Notes: Within a short commute are three state parks, Cass Scenic Railroad, 55 miles, Blackwater Falls, 32 miles, and Canaan Valley, which is only 24 miles away. A jagged sandstone formation rises 900 feet above the North Fork of the South Branch in Seneca Rocks. He threw in Rodolphs military service. Sometimes you feel like you should have to pay for what you have done. Falling objects are the third-most-common cause of climbing injuries, according to data compiled by the American Alpine Club for its annual publication Accidents in North American Mountaineering. In 1943 and 1944, the site was a training ground for Army assault troops preparing for combat in the Alps. Most climbers stop at Markwell's shop or the visitors center before beginning their ascent, but there is no requirement to sign in, "so we wanted to make sure no one was trapped out there," Markwell said. Serving the Seneca Rocks Area. Seneca Rocks is a large crag and local landmark in Pendleton County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, United States. They havent tried to contact Molly directly, but they did issue a public apology during an interview published in the Casper Star-Tribune. United States government. Here is the account of his partner. The Seneca tribe of Native Americans used the rocks as a landmark and a place of refuge. You may contact the Fire Department for questions about: Seneca Rocks fire stations; 9-1-1 emergencies and first response services ", Forest Service supervisor Jim Page attributed the Gendarme's collapse into rubble to "a natural phenomena.". The greater danger is. Fallout 76: Discovering Seneca Rocks / Death Bridge 47 views Dec 22, 2018 1 Dislike Share Dustliams 22 subscribers Beautiful game, the scenery is amazing. In it, hemakes easy work of the vertical cliffs. But I take full responsibility for what I did. They all had Pete Absolon stories to tell, gleaned from what had been a full and remarkable life. I helped him to lay flat and get his pack off. Long noted for its scenic beauty, Seneca Rocks, located in Pendleton County, is one of the most well-known landmarks in the state of West Virginia. View the full profile. [16] This turnpoint was used on many 500 kilometer out-and-return course flights from Ridge Soaring Gliderport in Julian, Pennsylvania, including an October 15, 1995, flight by Canadian pilot Walter Weir that was recognized as a world record at the time.[17]. The summit of Seneca Rocks can be climbed by those who are truly adventurous. And at the same moment he registered their presence, the plummeting rock struck one of the men directly on the head. Air Quality Excellent. 1. It is a giant slab of bare white sandstone with sheer cliffs, towering 900 feet above the surrounding valley in the Allegheny. He went out a few feet, peered over the right edge, picked up a bowling-ball-size hunk of granite, and launched it into the void. He was right on the edge. Phone/Email: 304-257-4488 (Voice & TDD) His eyes and mouth were open, but he was absolutely still. "I heard a rock fall and then saw a big blur," the boy said. And awesome. Simply browse the Seneca Rockss obituaries listing you can find on this page or conduct a search on the web site with your loved ones name. Then he ranand stumbleddown the scree field in his climbing shoes. What Is Temu and Why Is It Suddenly Americas Most Popular App. Climbers sign up for a certain amount of risk. He had a big cut in his head and his arm was broken, but he was breathing and it looked like he knew what had happened. But he didnt want to argue; right now he just needed to keep talking. Then, leaving Rodolph standing alone in the front yard, he headed over to the Absolon place to do what hed dreaded doing since he came off the wall: tell Molly that Pete was gone. Sandra was born on October 16, 1950 and passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.. Sandra was a resident of Seneca Rocks, West Virginia at the time of passing. Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. Herlihy nodded, and Aaron began murmuring softly in the dusk. The victim did not expire until the litter was nearly at the road head. Other climbing guide services, particularly those located in the surrounding states, also guide and instruct rock climbing at Seneca Rocks. Marshall's Madness / Crack of Dawn (5.10a), This page was last edited on 21 November 2022, at 18:56. 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Evening Program, Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater. But the fact that hes an Iraq veteran shouldnt be any part of the decision as to whether or not this is a criminal act. Some routes and their rating in the Yosemite Decimal System are represented in the picture on the right. The rocks were a part of the tribes homeland until the late 18th century when most of the Seneca were forced to relocate to Ohio. The observation platform high atop the Seneca Rocks offers spectacular views of the surrounding North Fork river valley. Ill never throw another rock off a cliff, he says. To get off the route, you either do a direct finish or a kind of weird finish through a slopey ledge system. The Seneca formation towers 1,000 feet above the ground and, until the Forest Service opened a hiking trail last month that goes within 50 feet of the summit, was the highest point east of Wyoming that could not be surmounted by walking. He was panting after the long run down from the rim. The hike to the summit is also a 2.6-mile round trip, so you can get there in a little less time. SENECA ROCKS, WV (WBOY) - The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and the historic Sites Homestead have announced that its summer season is kicking off with a full schedule of programs for Memorial Day Weekend. It is located near the confluence of Seneca Creek and the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. It's free. "But Seneca made something of a performance of his death: at his suburban villa outside of Rome he opened his veins, took hemlock and died only after a steam bath." The historian Tacitus records that he died slowly but fearlessly in the presence of friends and family, dictating his final thoughts to nearby scribes. All of the programs are free, while some programs require pre . It was only when he saw "a huge cloud of dust and flying debris" that he realized "something tremendous" had happened, he said. Yet he was careful not to describe Absolons death as an accident. "It was beautiful to look at.". Professional equipment and guides are a must for many of the climbs. Its the classic dilemma, she says. But the dream was scant comfort. Publication Year: 1972. LockA locked padlock YEARS WITH (800) 872-3837. I regret that, actually, Herlihy says, but thats how I felt at that point. Thousands of people die in Seneca Rocks each year, and most of these people are mentioned in local West Virginia obituaries. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, How To Train For A Marathon After A Calf Strain, How Many People Running Boston Marathon 2022, You Can Still Train For And Run A Half Marathon With Runners Knee. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. He also assured her that his death had been swift and painless. Around five, the Rodolph party decided to make their way to a new spot a quarter-mile away, where the rim becomes a series of jagged overhangs above the basina good place to watch rocks fall, they figured. Default; Distance; Rating; Name (A - Z) Sponsored Links. They were at the southern end of the Winds, three-quarters of the way up an enormous cirque that flanks the lake like a half-mile-wide backstop. He had some knowledge of first aid and started to help. A quick drive away from major cities such as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Pa., Richmond, Va., and others is Seneca Rocks. This kid had thrown the rock. I feel like my rudder is gone, says Molly. Luckily, the climber in the video below wasn't one of them. Two weeks later he was back with Herlihy to try a line hed found. Hes still haunted by his own relentless memories of Leg Lake, including the three words of absolution he offered Luke. ) or https:// means you've safely Although easy to access via trails from the nearby road (and from its prevalent parking), the area itself is somewhat isolated from the larger east coast cities that surround it. Pete Absolon on a ski day at the Leg Lake Cirque, 2006, Molly Absolon and her daughter, Avery, outside Lander, October 2007, data compiled by the American Alpine Club. Address: Potomac Ranger District HC 59, Box 240, Petersburg, WV 26847 1.5 miles south of Petersburg off Rt. The frivolous tossing of a rock is even more irresponsible in the wilderness because the repercussions can be so much greater.. 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