Prayers to the family. What a horrible horrible accident. Never look at SS like a little kid brother to Mammoth, but somewhere that can take you out if you aren't careful.
Replying to Biknpam, sometimes like in the San Gabs, a skinny ST can make you slide off down a 100 foot side drop if you're not careful. Always be aware
and like others said, if the deed is too dastardly, there's no shame in walking the bike or not taking the drop. If you do have family, don't take big risks but don't give up the sport completely because there is some risk. You can get hit in the head playing softball or playing golf (like my dad did at a stupid public golf course)
Even technology improvements keep us from injuring ourselves, like larger wheels--27.5 or 29er's, disc brakes, anti-rear jacking floating rear ends, single ring cranks, etc.
I even have a 96'er---29er up front with a 26er in the rear. The geometry almost makes you NOT do an 'endo' going downhill & goes over baby heads with ease. IMO the 26er is a dead machine, good for nothing like a personal pager, if they even have those anymore hahah. its no good but for a ride to the liquor store or transportation for an aluminum can collector.
But the real safety is knowing that you can't make that lip or go straight down that gnarly descent with tight switchbacks and boulders everywhere. Be careful and again, what a horrible day at SS.
