I sat shocked as I watched the TV and saw them announce the death of my cousin Paul. His brother Frankie was there by his side. My prayers are to his family even till this day.
This is hard... The fall is my footage. I was a videographer working for Paul as a bartender at the Cantina. He asked me to shoot along side the Warren Miller team. Hard Copy wanted the footage but I turned it over to the family and Jim. I never knew Hard Copy actually did the story until now - or I blocked it. I hope that those of you watching get that Paul was a force and he died doing what he loved - skiing. It was great to hear his voice again. That Boston accent he used to lay on thick after a night at the bar. Those days really bring a smile to my and my wife's faces. One of the best memories I have of my time in Tahoe is working with Paul at Cantina.
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for having left us with a bit of closure. Paul died as he lived. Doing what he loved.
@fjordking
5 жыл бұрын
I remember when this happened friends and I were having a beer at my friend's ski shop in Carson city after tuning our skis getting ready to go to Kirkwood the next day, this is the first time I have seen this video. I just felt a big rock in my stomach like it just happened.
@snowleopard4689
3 жыл бұрын
what got him? was it the skis lifting and messing up the landing or did he actually hit the rock face?
@Pocketwaterproductions
3 жыл бұрын
@@snowleopard4689 word has it he bounced 30 ft after hitting the rock. Lots of injuries including separating his aorta from his heart.
@jackmartinvideyou644
3 жыл бұрын
Pauls brother Frankie who was there is my closest cousin. Paul was a lot of fun. When ever our families got together we always had a ball
@SHFRChaplainJack
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much. Some commentators have attacked his character. Paul was my cousin and a great guy. Loved skiing as did his who family.
@eClipsJamie
3 жыл бұрын
He cared about so many. He took me under his wing at the Cantina as a new bartender. Taught me the ropes.
@ConquerYou
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry for your families loss. That’s a big jump to say the least. There’s a fine line between extreme success in being a daredevil, and it not working out. The adrenaline and danger is addictive. And so is the fame, I would think.
@ashleyking6743
2 жыл бұрын
Your cousin had a huge set of balls to do some of those drops. I’m sorry for you and your families loss.
@rodbrezinski8033
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss
@AriesTheRam91
2 жыл бұрын
God bless you and your family he's a man of courage we all wish we could be remembered right lifes a crazy journey that I'm trying to figure out myself
@andytuttle7650
4 жыл бұрын
I worked with Paul in Lake Tahoe. He was a thoroughly enjoyable guy who was also a stand-up guy. I was living back in Kansas when I saw a story about his life and death. Such a loss. Very sad indeed.
@videyoupromos5441
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Paul was my cousin. As kids we grew up sharing vacations. His brother Frank who was there that day lives about an hour from me now. Paul was a great guy.
@WindTurbineSyndrome
2 жыл бұрын
Rip
@darrendix5163
6 жыл бұрын
I've been riding backcountry for years where this happened, and while I never met Paul, he is always on your mind when you ride or ski and skin up in this magical area, which I won't mention just for the sake of keeping the population down. I appreciate that this was respectfully released so we could see what happened. I will always return to ride here, my first backcountry terrain, and Paul will always be on my mind in that area, skiing with me! (even though I'm a snowboarder!)
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Paul was my cousin. His brother Frank who was there that day still lives near me. Broke my heart when he died
@jdjd7682
9 жыл бұрын
Grew up down the street from the Ruffs, his sisters baby sat me and my brother. Paul was a bit older than me, I remember him as a super nice guy, as where his siblings. Terrible accident. I'm sure he's missed by all those who knew him.
@paulobanhein8570
2 жыл бұрын
When Paul decided to attempt the jump he asked me being a climber to rope him up and belay him down the slope to the take off point which I did. The night before Paul and I stayed in the Kirkwood condos and he had a large 16x18 print of the cliff and the slope above. We studied the layout for hours and Paul decided on his route and felt very confident he could pull it off. I did mention one thing being up a lot of cliffs they he would need to carry a lot of speed on the take off to clear the bottom of the cliff and he agreed. We slept good that night and the next day we hiked in above the cliff I dug a pit in the slope anchored in a couple deadmen and belayed Pauly down the slope. He unclipped his harness and took off. I believe his brother had it right that check turn just before takeoff I believe slowed him down enough that he lost arch distance on the descent and hit the wall. Pauly was my friend and a wonderful soul.A professional and a great athlete one of the best people I ever met that was a sad day in many people's lives but he died doing what he loved and the time he was with us here on earth he brought a lot of light to a lot of people's lives. Miss you buddy Ob
@SHFRChaplainJack
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, his family was always my favorite cousins. Frank his brother who was there that day lives a few hours from me here in Florida. We don't talk about it because of the painful memory, but I know it still lives with him. I appreciate your kind words. A few posters here have been idiots.
@paulobanhein8570
2 жыл бұрын
@@SHFRChaplainJack yup unfortunately that seems to be the world we live in now Paul deserves those kind words. I never met frank but if your in touch give him and the family my best 👍 Paul
@SHFRChaplainJack
10 жыл бұрын
Paul is my cousin. I will pass your comment about how it made you look at things differently, along to his brother Frankie. Thank you. And Thomas you're welcome. Aunt Monica and Uncle Ed were always special to me.
@sameeknowsitall
2 жыл бұрын
😞
@scottc8350
3 жыл бұрын
I was a young lift supervisor at Kirkwood that year and loaded Paul and crew on the chair that early morning before the public. Certainly a day in my life that I will never forget. Cheers & RIP Paul 🍻
@reflectionsrforever1286
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you. My cousin was always the dare devil and thats what made him most loveable. Im just sorry he is gone.
@cetacea97
3 жыл бұрын
Paul bought me a beer the night before his jump at the Mexican restaurant he was working. I heard the news the next day at work down in Slough house. I’ll always remember Paul even thought we mostly just met. RIP.
@wowihaveachannel4862
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this video . I've had 2 close friends pass away this year. Most of the time I'm ok but when anything brings them up it still hurts. I have some satisfaction knowing one of those friends told me the year or so we had together was the best time of his life.
@bebek2804
2 жыл бұрын
suddenly everyone knows paul
@dawsonje
2 жыл бұрын
Lol. Exactly. He must have like 650 cousins
@Phlayr
2 жыл бұрын
@@dawsonje Paul was my cousin too! small world
@atticusfinch3931
2 жыл бұрын
Paul was also my cousin we would jump out of helicopters to catch a peek we were searches rest easy buddy
@samgibson684
2 жыл бұрын
Big Boston family.... Lotsa cousins
@stevejohnson2052
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss and thanks for posting this. I remember this accident but never saw this TV show. I think his brother is right. At the last second once he saw where his line would take him and he realized it wasn't ideal, and tried to correct, but that caused him to lose speed. The video doesn't really describe it well, he came up short and hit rocks at the bottom. He was a great skier and had tremendous courage. Like many similar accidents it wasn't the idea of what he was doing was wrong. It's that a couple of compounding issues at the end led to tragedy. RIP.
@MaxnPow
10 жыл бұрын
Yeah I remember this well. I was in high school and hyper obsessed with skiing hard. Paul's accident gave me pause and reflection. It definitely made me really think about the objectives I chose to do from that time forward. To this day I go to Valdez every year for ski touring and big descents, albeit with a more conservative approach than I might have had without seeing things like this along the way. Things happen for a reason. People learned from this. I guess you could say that Paul sacrificed himself for the good of others, even though that wasn't his original plan. He seemed like a really good guy. As a father thinking about my own son, this now hits me harder than it did in the 90's.
@thomasruff1
11 жыл бұрын
You're right. After all these years it's still hard to take. Thanks for your kind words about Paul.
@berndkorthaus5082
Жыл бұрын
There is courage, and there is carelessness. Courage is great, carelessness not.
@ZenarchersLair
4 жыл бұрын
Back in my South Shore days, I used to work at the Ketch with Jim, great guy. Remember being fairly new in town, feeling a little awkward my first time in the Cantina. Paul ushered me up to his bar, and bought me a drink, without knowing me from Adam. I was struck by that warm gesture and a few friendly words that made me feel welcome. Was skiing at Kirkwood the day this happened. I wasn't aware but heard someone yelling to others across the lifts asking if Paul had made it, and heard the very sad answer. Later Jim told us of how Paul had passed in his arms.
@videyoupromos5441
4 жыл бұрын
Paul was my cousin. His whole family has that sweet way about them. His mom is still alive. His brother Frank was there that day at the bottom of the hill. Frank lives near me in Florida, still water skiing, and when back in Mass a little snow. Thanks for your kind words.
@johnnyquest6115
2 жыл бұрын
I'll never forget when it happened, because I never saw it happen.
@Repomam2000
6 жыл бұрын
I worked at Kirkwood that season. I remember Paul from the bar he tended there. I remember the snow being very wet that day they left for the jump thinking it might not be the best day. Later in the day, I was up in employee housing and saw the helicopter take off with him in it I was told. Sad day for all of us. RIP Paul...
@SHFRChaplainJack
6 жыл бұрын
Paul did look tentative as he neared the jump. I still hate watching it. I remember Paul as a great cousin and very talented.
@Repomam2000
6 жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss bro. He was a good dude!
@dieselguy64
10 жыл бұрын
I remember Paul and his buddies from High Sierra Valet coming into to Lillys night club where I worked. Great bunch of guys, always cool to everyone. RIP (ride in peace) brother....
@smmalafa1
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for showing the whole thing… NOT!! Now I gotta look up the video on google.
@doriangray2020
2 жыл бұрын
Play stupid games…win stupid prizes. RIP.
@yacobmacias6352
2 жыл бұрын
The ultimate send. May we all live life to the fullest like Paul. Rest In Peace.
@camusss4849
2 жыл бұрын
Its hilarious how everybody here knew paul and shares a story with him haha
@badeugenecops4741
2 жыл бұрын
It's NOT hilarious. You won't have many people tell stories about you when you die. I'm sure by your commet you are merely a sliver of the man he was. In fact you sound like a child. Grow up.
@janvandermade5436
Жыл бұрын
Forever missed and remembered. 💚🙏
@blakjack3053
2 жыл бұрын
I feel no remorse nor sorrow but only a deep sense of respect for the man, for indeed, losing your life in doing what you love is a most honorable way to die. RIP Paul Ruff.
@hokeywolf3416
3 жыл бұрын
Extreme skiers, wingsuiters, big mountain climbers mostly live short lives.
@markreagan1322
2 жыл бұрын
I really fail to understand how jumping of a cliff into snow covered rocks makes sense. At least do ski jumping or a real sport hell do parachute jumps but just hoping snow will save you is wild.
@jables3377
6 жыл бұрын
The Ruffs' were my neighbors growing up in MA. I have fond memories of the Ruff kids, including Paul and Frankie. I remember swimming in the inground pool and the boys were always showing off.
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Frankie,still hams it up in Orlando doing water skiing, and barefoot competitions. They were my favorite cousins.
@jackmartinvideyou644
3 жыл бұрын
My Uncle Ed and Aunt Monica and Pauls family were my favorite Uncle, Aunt, and Cousins.
@fungipolo
3 жыл бұрын
I am sure Paul was a great guy,...but he made a bad decision and paid the price!
@robertrachels1870
2 жыл бұрын
When l was 15 and my crazy friend Terry who was a little guy and only stood about 5 ft 1in (@ 14 years old) & he too never thought that any hill was "Out Of Bounds." I remember one time we were at the top of this INSANE Drop and l said "I don't think so buddy?" And before l even finished the sentence he just jumps out and he's Gone! but after a few seconds, l see him and he's just slaloming down like it was no big deal. I never did follow him as l took the safer option. But l'll never forget that! He was and still is a Mad Man. I've been skiing since l was 14 and l met Terry at Mt Kyak where l took my first lessons. It is still one of my Favorite places to Ski. I taught both my Wives how to ski, my older brother and too many friends to count. I started skiing in 1976 and l wished l'd met your Brother Paul Ruff. Or at least saw him on a hill, steep slope or even the Bunny hill teaching the kids how to ski.. Rest in Peace! King of the Mountain! 🏆
@mtbalpinecounty
Жыл бұрын
We all still miss him..🙏
@JohnnyLandscape
6 жыл бұрын
In 2004 I worked as a liftie and had done a backcountry trek.The guys I was with pointed the wooden cross out to me and told me what it was about.I remembered his name for over a decade,I guess,because I could see how gnarly of a record he was going for.Courage like that is rare.God bless his family and friends.
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul was my cousin. His brother Frank was at the base of the hill and held him as he passed away. Was a very hard time for our family. God bless.
@austinrich6464
2 жыл бұрын
I remember waching people like this when I was a kid. I now live in Tahoe an wish it would snow like it used to. They influenced the sport and others more then they knew at the time.
@llee8825
2 жыл бұрын
I remember watching Paul ski in Warren Miller’s films as a teenager. He was a talented skier. In my Chinese culture, there is an old proverb - “Better to live one day as a tiger than one thousand days as a sheep.” Paul was a tiger - the most courageous animal in the Chinese zodiac.
@jmason2838
2 жыл бұрын
Hi there - 🙂🌷✌🏻Are you the widow of Bruce Lee💘?🤔'Linda L' could very well stand for Linda Lee Caswell , his widow.. very possible..just my humble opinion.. That sounds like it could be actual , ancient words of wisdom from the Martial Arts Master..The Best that ever was🎆 ..🏆.⚡.🥋 A Very Sorely missed human. ..🙏🕯️🌹 🗿
@MOAB-UT
2 жыл бұрын
One flaw in your logic- sometimes you don't just die (as a tiger.) Many times, as I just experienced with a friend, you will LIVE another 30+ years in a wheelchair (only 1 arm working) and put a HUGE mental and financial burden on your family. Have fun, like a tiger but don't play stupid games you won't likely wind stupid prizes.
@jg-bordfronco2925
3 жыл бұрын
What a legend! RIP broski
@isaiahS04
2 жыл бұрын
once met Paul at the grocery store. great guy. RIP
@Me_Myself_and_Eye
2 жыл бұрын
extreme sport, extreme consequences, what a shame a man that was so very vibrant and full of life. RIP
@mcgilliman
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Paul was my cousin. He loved dying and doing what he loved. I remember the night before his big jump I talked to him about his outfit. I said, "Paul, don't you think your ski clothes are just too big?" He said they weren't but to this day I wish he hadn't worn such baggy clothing. I'm pretty sure his outfit caught the air and threw him off.
@CallMeHunee
2 жыл бұрын
He loved dying?
@sameeknowsitall
2 жыл бұрын
@@CallMeHunee probably meant doing
@antongorodetskiy5419
2 жыл бұрын
Отдал свою жизнь за любимое дело, для меня рядового человека это безумие, прыгать в сугроб с огромной высоты и надеяться, что все будет хорошо(
@houseofsolomon2440
2 жыл бұрын
Agree. For me as an ordinary person, to drop from tremendous height to snow drift & rocks is not sane.
@richardritsch9244
2 жыл бұрын
R.I.P. Paul, from Stelvio Pass.
@markman63
3 жыл бұрын
so where is the footage of him crashing?
@jasonberry1307
2 жыл бұрын
💔😢prayers are with you guys
@benjaminrodriguez7356
2 жыл бұрын
At 4:02, I can't believe distance of that fall! Does anyone know how long it was?
@badeugenecops4741
2 жыл бұрын
What part of "15 stories" did you not understand? If you want the height...do the math yourself.
@benjaminrodriguez7356
2 жыл бұрын
@@badeugenecops4741 I didn't hear that part. Thanks for the info..
@patrickfrancis7560
2 жыл бұрын
@@benjaminrodriguez7356 the internet does thing to people that makes them respond in a way they wouldnt respond in real life. You had a valid question :D
@vampiresforesl
2 жыл бұрын
If only there were some way to avoid accidents like these.
@MrThrond
2 жыл бұрын
In fact, there is a a way: don't be stupid.
@giuseppe4909
3 жыл бұрын
He may have been a great guy, but idiots come in all shapes and sizes…..
@SHFRChaplainJack
3 жыл бұрын
You're proof of that, moron.
@TheMissingtime
9 жыл бұрын
Was at Tahoe that spring renting a room at Donner Lake from Glenn McConkey. Front page of the paper read "Scot Schmidt Dies".
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Not sure you might have this confused. This is my cousin Paul Ruff. Not Scot
@TheMissingtime
5 жыл бұрын
@@reflectionsrforever1286 thats what it said
@2BachShakur
2 жыл бұрын
That was ruff to watch.
@leannaburroughs-pz1np
6 күн бұрын
Not funny
@Arcord10
6 жыл бұрын
Why didnt they show the entire fall???
@reflectionsrforever1286
6 жыл бұрын
Because it was brutal and he died.
@fredeschen3783
2 жыл бұрын
Rest In Peace brother 🦅
@dethray1000
2 жыл бұрын
wing suit flyers,over 200 now dead
@drats1279
3 жыл бұрын
bad choices result in bad consequences.
@jackmartin6595
3 жыл бұрын
Paul was my cousin. He had held the world record for the hightest jump of that nature. It had been broken and he was attempting to get it back. Challenge was Pauls life.
@Niko_Soldo
2 жыл бұрын
Poor guy. RiP. He died doing what he loved.🙏
@66391_Moshup
5 ай бұрын
Who was the commentator?
@davezick800
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe it wasn't too high. Maybe it was the wrong cliff.
@censura1210
2 жыл бұрын
2:28 I think it's safe to say that he recaptured the record, or as many would say, broke it.
@joemusic2882
2 жыл бұрын
He was my cousin and he always did dumb things
@alonetraveler5391
2 жыл бұрын
Apparently everyone in the comments met pu or are related to him
@fkkingknow4017
2 жыл бұрын
It’s a really big family
@markjessurun1294
2 жыл бұрын
Show the accident or don't show nothing at all we R Grown people watching u tube we aint no Babies ?? Anyhow R.I.P. !!
@gregknipe8772
2 жыл бұрын
an army of people survive 'that guy' who died doing what he loved - more than his family? or life itself? or trying to impress others. its a cliche' people. un impressed. suicide has no fans.
@maxmoovin
2 жыл бұрын
Paul died because of the love of jumping off really high mountains.
@1AvrgJoe
2 жыл бұрын
All the comments are from people that knew him. That’s cool. Sorry for his mom.
@brianpeters5555
2 жыл бұрын
Sad.
@steveeb9567
3 жыл бұрын
Was that at Castle Peak ?
@reflectionsrforever1286
3 жыл бұрын
I'm not positive. Paul was my cousin, but I didnt find out until after he had died.
@MOAB-UT
2 жыл бұрын
I am a very good skier. I have jumped off cliffs (not my brightest decisions.) His take off was beyond perfect. The wind simply got under him. Also, your abs cannot stay flexed too long in that demanding position. Both of these factors led to his posture changing. You can see it. I can feel it on jumps I've done that are MUCH smaller than this one. There are very good reasons why other talented skiers don't chose to do jumps as huge as this one. Yes, he was an innovator to the sport- very talented but maybe a bit too fearless. At least he can say he passed doing what he loved. Not everyone can say that. R.I.P. to a legend and my condolences to his loved ones. Don't be as sad that he is gone as you are happy that he was once here.
@BoolaBear
2 жыл бұрын
What??? The take off was the whole problem. He didn't jump hard enough or far enough, didn't even pop, and should have taken a different angle. The wind getting under him didn't cause him to come up short.
@MOAB-UT
2 жыл бұрын
@@BoolaBear You have a point. I was focusing on his very good form until the wind caught him. I suppose if he didn't get enough pop and/or hit the rocks at the top it could have set him up to fail. I do still think he would have crashed. It was simply too high. Eventually he was bound to lose his form mid-air. There is a reason jumps like this are not attempted often.
@venomoushamster2270
2 жыл бұрын
RIP😔
@MetroVancouverASMRGuy
2 жыл бұрын
RIP
@mikespike6825
2 жыл бұрын
But why
@patrickprice3230
2 жыл бұрын
Oh he pushed it
@davidp2707
3 жыл бұрын
You have to keep those skis behind you or they will push you back like that when catching big air. Would have just broke his legs then at worst.
@IStMl
Жыл бұрын
he clipped rocks
@XrpAndy
2 жыл бұрын
Dying is not much of living
@MultiPorkpie
3 жыл бұрын
Ruff cut
@tomsmith2215
2 жыл бұрын
damn that was big. he did like 150' to his back on rocks basically? LEGEND
@Bearrrrrrrrr
2 жыл бұрын
Literally falling with style.
@micktre7608
3 жыл бұрын
That was a ruff landing
@Michi12
2 жыл бұрын
lmao
@sst6601
2 жыл бұрын
Natural selection in action)))
@cannonsovercharged
3 жыл бұрын
Stay in School: He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks For drinks and tips He shook his head And as he shook his head I heard someone ask him please Please Mr. Bojangles Dance
@FSEVENMAN
3 жыл бұрын
Great tune🙂
@admiralbenbow5083
2 жыл бұрын
If you spend too long in the air the skis or board take over.
@milqueyuhh
2 жыл бұрын
I thought you could survive falling from a cliff and into snow while skiing
@sugarspice8300
Жыл бұрын
There were rocks under the snow.
@milqueyuhh
Жыл бұрын
@@sugarspice8300 oh okay
@MissionaryForMexico
2 жыл бұрын
This is how you die when you do not use wisdom! With no safe guards, no safety equipment!
@1AvrgJoe
2 жыл бұрын
Well what can you say? Nothing.
@lorimeyers3839
2 жыл бұрын
4:47 couldn’t have said it better
@kj-yb7ie
3 жыл бұрын
That was a Ruff landing.
@justflock4442
2 жыл бұрын
Broo🤣
@gl3618
2 жыл бұрын
That's pretty...Ruff.
@TheDazzler420
2 жыл бұрын
What was the goal here?
@motorizedjunk6666
2 жыл бұрын
setting a world record
@norbertulrich4776
2 жыл бұрын
Toller typ,mutig und gutaussehend
@robinred1851
2 жыл бұрын
This way of skiing is surching for death. Well, he found it. But, own risk, own fault. I feel no sorry for him.
@korinnab.2318
2 жыл бұрын
What the hell is wrong with you
@victordiazortega7053
4 жыл бұрын
Preselas men !!.carallo
@user-we8kn6dl6r
3 жыл бұрын
Он добился этого.
@lorenzodeimoz6028
3 жыл бұрын
One thing is try to be a dare devil the other is to be an idiot
@reflectionsrforever1286
3 жыл бұрын
Clearly, by your comments on a dead man's page, you qualify as an idiot.
@patriciamcmahonkelly
3 жыл бұрын
@@reflectionsrforever1286 no clearly he’s stating a fact the guy was an idiot
@SHFRChaplainJack
3 жыл бұрын
@@patriciamcmahonkelly people like you make me sick. This is my cousin, he had held the world record for jumps and had it beaten by a small amount and he sought to have it back. You have nerve calling anyone an idiot. Your very simple lack of tact shows how ignorant you are.
@patriciamcmahonkelly
3 жыл бұрын
@@SHFRChaplainJack sorry for your loss but I will call anyone who does pointless life ending stunts like this idiots as will most people
@montytowart1264
2 жыл бұрын
Dieings not much of a living ,boy :)
@ryinanable
2 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@lorenzodeimoz6028
3 жыл бұрын
Just a fool thinking to do the impossible
@SHFRChaplainJack
3 жыл бұрын
Actually, you are the fool. If people like you prevailed we would still be living in caves and walking everyplace we go. Paul already held the world record for this style jump, had it beaten by another, and was looking to take it back. It was simply a flaw in the final approach that caused the tragedy. His brother was at the bottom. People like you feel free to criticize other people's family members without any regard to the pain of your remarks. May you find the same done to you someday.
@bretthannan5127
3 жыл бұрын
@@SHFRChaplainJack he was a jumped up big mouth,thinking he was the man
@sacjusticeforyou
3 жыл бұрын
@@bretthannan5127 did you know him personally Or just keyboard shrink?
@hokeywolf3416
3 жыл бұрын
@@SHFRChaplainJack - I do agree with trying new things and taking chances......Here though, I think risk far outweighed the reward......but apparently not for him.
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