Frenchman Patrick Eldinger is often thought of as the master of rock free- climbing. No rock face was left unconquered by Eldinget, and he's often
said to be the person most responsible for creating enough interest in free-
climbing to start the artificial indoor rock-climbing craze. He became a
national sensation in France when he managed to scale the 1,500-foot
vertical cliffs of the Verdon Gorge, the French "Grand Canyon."
However, if you're looking to see Patrick as he engages in his next free-
climbing feat, you're sadly out luck. You see, Patrick Eldinger died in
December of 2012 after falling down the stairs in his own home.
1. What is the situational irony in the story?
2. How does the surprise ending make the irony stronger?