This requiem originally appeared on PCTA.org. AsABat created the original Pacific Crest Trail Water Report and diligently maintained the report for many years.

On Friday, August 10, 2012, Bill “AsABat” Jeffrey was found peaceful, in his sleeping bag, in his tent, at Charlton Lake in Oregon. At 54, he was too young for many of us to consider passing.

The PCTA and the organizers of the ADZPCTKO, wish to express our deep shock, sorrow and sadness upon hearing the news of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his wife, Cindy.

Bill “AsABat” Jeffrey

Bill joined the ADZ organizers in the early years of the event and brought a high energy and deep passion for the PCT to all he did. He handled emergency communications for the event and showed a cool, calm response to several “lost or missing” hiker reports over the years. He helped with AV, local logistics, and many other important aspects of the event, as well as serving on the board of directors.

His innovative online southern California water report brought him a PCTA award and recognition.
As he explained on the PCT-List years ago regarding the origins of his trail name;

What’s an AsABat?
It’s common on the long trails to take, or be given, a trail name. There are many people I consider friends who I know only by their trail names. Because they are easy to remember, it helps the trail grapevine communicate information up and down the trail. Contrary to the belief of a few hiking partners, my trail name does not refer to hiking “as a bat out of Hades.” Rather, it refers to “blind as a bat.” In 1996 and 1997 I had new corneas installed. Prior to the transplants I spent a short time legally blind because of keratoconus. Hence, I was blind as a bat. When others ask how I got my name, I relate this information and remind them to fill out their organ donor cards. Continue reading →