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Climber Killed in Yosemite; Oklahoma Tornadoes

Aired June 03, 2013 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): A wildfire burning out of control, homes threatened. Families evacuated. We're going to take you live inside this burn zone as firefighters are battling these flames.

I'm Brooke Baldwin. The news is now.

Learning to dance on your dime. The IRS spends $50 million of your money on conferences, the agency's new commissioner getting grilled by Congress right now.

From action hero to celebrity diplomat. Steven Seagal helps set up high-level meetings in Russia to investigate the Boston bombings.

An ex-cop on trial accused of murdering his wife and setting their home on fire. Prosecutors say a certain something that happened two weeks before the crime could be the motive. Nancy Grace joins me live in studio.

Plus:

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Our first appeal is to the American people and to anyone out there who is in just the gut-wrenching position of losing a loved one.

BALDWIN: A family says this 10-year-old is being -- quote -- "left to die." They're making a final plea to Americans after learning the government will not step in, in time to help.

And here we go, hour two. I'm Brooke Baldwin. Thanks so much for being with me.

Want to start this hour in Yosemite Park, where the search for that teenager who was hurled down this raging waterfall has now been suspended. That accident happened Saturday.

CNN's Miguel Marquez has been in the park covering that for us today. And while he's been there, now we're being told we have more breaking news out of Yosemite as a climber has fallen to his death.

Miguel Marquez standing by for us live.

Miguel, what are you learning?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we do have. It is the fourth death, the fourth accidental death in the park this season. This climber was killed yesterday.

I want to bring in Scott Gediman with the Park Service here.

Scott, this climber -- why don't you come in a little more here? This climber was killed on El Capitan. How exactly was he killed?

SCOTT GEDIMAN, PARK RANGER: This was a tragic accident that he killed that he was killed on El Capitan yesterday. There were two climbers and one particular climber was climbing, saw a piece of rock, stepped on the piece of rock and accidentally dislodged it, struck his climbing partner and he was killed instantly.

MARQUEZ: This is the fourth accidental death this year. How many deaths do you typically get here at the park?

GEDIMAN: Between accidental deaths and natural, we get about 12 to 15 per year. So, unfortunately, we're on a bad curve for the year. And so we're hoping we slow down.

MARQUEZ: And I understand this man was on the cliff. You had to call in a helicopter to extract him off of the cliff because he remained hanging to the cliff while they were both basically dangling off El Capitan, yes?

GEDIMAN: Exactly. El Capitan is a 3,000-plus-feet vertical wall. So, once he was there, pronounced deceased by the rangers that climbed up to get to him, we then had to bring in both the California Highway Patrol helicopter and a park helicopter to hoist him up.

MARQUEZ: Oh, my goodness. Scott Gediman, thank you very much for joining us.

A very, very tough start to the year. It is absolutely stunning the physical beauty here, but it is also very dangerous, people from around the world. This guy happened to be from London in the U.K. And, you know, people come from around the world to enjoy it here, but there are dangers. As we saw with the swimmer who died on Saturday -- they are almost certain he is dead -- the search has been more or less suspended, at least in the area where they believe he went down.

I want to show you one thing. This is Yosemite Falls. That's about 1,400 feet there. The falls where the young man died was off, way off to the right of the screen, where you are, about a three-hour walk in. It was Nevada Falls. He went up there, swam out into a stream just above the falls, and then got caught in a current and was -- and the last witnesses saw of him, he was going over the precipice.

Those falls are very, very treacherous. They don't expect to find him alive -- Brooke.

BALDWIN: OK, Miguel Marquez for us, two tragic stories out of Yosemite. It is absolutely stunning, but dangerous nonetheless. Miguel, thank you.

To Oklahoma we go now. The search resumed today for six people still missing after last Friday's outbreak of tornadoes. The death toll now stands at 14. Here's why. Storm chasers caught this terrifying video as the tornado was ripping up piece by piece by piece -- this is the Oklahoma country side, near Union City. Another storm chaser was nearby on I-40 at about the same time.

He was stopped when an 18-wheeler hit him from behind. The wind was so strong, it knocked the truck over and even pushed it backwards.

Nick Valencia joins us now from El Reno, Oklahoma.

And, Nick, I know that it was a school behind you took a direct hit. Tell me what is happening there now.

NICK VALENCIA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Brooke.

We just got back from taking a tour inside the Canadian Valley Technology Center. And, as you mentioned, it did take a direct hit. Larry Fisher (ph), he was the teacher whose quick thinking probably saved the lives of about 15 students. They took shelter underground. He gave us a tour inside.

As you can see, the cleanup and damage assessment is still ongoing. Officials estimate about $40 million of damage because of the tornado. But initially, Larry told me, Brooke, that they didn't think the tornado was coming towards them. They thought it was going to stay south of Interstate 40. It changed directions. It was a very unpredictable storm, which led to the death toll that we're looking at now, as you mentioned, at least 14 dead.

We have asked officials if they expect that death toll to climb. Of course, they are still searching for at least six people who are still missing -- Brooke.

BALDWIN: Nick, I'm curious, too, as you're there, and what is so tragically unique about this particular -- the tornadoes from over the weekend was the fact that it claimed the lives of three storm chasers, two adults, one son that was chasing with his father.

And, you know, just talking to different storm chasers, this is what they do, this is what they love. Have you had a chance to speak with anyone out there about this tremendous loss?

VALENCIA: Yes, absolutely. It is a tremendous loss for everyone, all the family members, not just the storm chasers, but everybody is particularly shocked about their deaths, you know, a friend of Chad Myers, a friend of so many storm chasers in this area.

And the thing that is most surprising, Brooke, is that these were experienced, very safe. They were known for their safety. One of them was a scientist who was trying to predict the dangers of tornadoes, throwing out probes, trying to help people in this area that is now, you know, just being devastated.

It seems like they just can't catch a break when it comes to severe weather here in the state of Oklahoma -- Brooke.

BALDWIN: They need a break, don't they, Nick? Nick Valencia in El Reno, Oklahoma, appreciate it.

Coming up, 11 young people kidnapped in Mexico all at once in broad daylight. And there has been no sign yet of any of those 11 victims. How could something like this happen? We will take you live to Mexico City for that next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: Just in time for summer, taking a trip to the happiest place on earth is going to cost you big bucks. Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Southern California announced ticket hikes. One adult theme park ticket now tops 100 bucks after tax.

Look at the math we did here. For an average family of four, ticket prices and meals are going to cost nearly $500. Folks, that's for one day at the Magic Kingdom. That doesn't include hotel stay. That doesn't include the park hopper passes if you like to go to the different parks or entrance to some other attraction.

Let's talk about the dollars and cents here of Disney.

Joining me now is the CEO of CultureResearch, Eli Portnoy.

And, Eli, I know you worked as a brand consultant for Disney for years. Why now? Why would the parks raise prices now?

ELI PORTNOY, CEO, CULTURERESEARCH: Well, since the recession recovery has occurred, the attendance at the parks has gone back up. And when there is greater demand, they feel that they can get away with a little bit more of a price increase in the tickets.

It is also the bigger story, which is that Disney, the Disney brand, the Disney experience is still unparalleled anywhere else of anything in the United States or in the world, for that matter. And kids love it. Their parents love doing it with them. And there is still a great value in that experience. We haven't reached what I would call the point of elasticity, at which consumers will say, it is too much to go to Disney.

BALDWIN: I'm not a parent, but, listen, I loved my Space Mountain and my haunted house when I was a kid and I remember the experiences fondly. But this is what a Disney spokesperson told "The Orlando Sentinel" -- quote -- "A ticket to our theme park represents a great value, particularly when you look at the breadth and quality of attractions and entertainment we offer and special moments guests experience with our cast."

So, for most families, I suppose, who have the pennies, nickels and dimes, is it worth it to spend the money?

PORTNOY: It is.

And here's the point. A couple of years ago, it would take two to three years of savings for most -- family of four to go to Disney World. Now it is probably four or five, maybe six years of savings. The demand is still there. Disney does a great job of reaching out to kids when they're young, to create the interest and the desire to go to Disney World, to experience the characters, the rides, the whole ambience, the whole experience.

So they definitely still have it. They still have a brand that has value. It is still very American to do this. And I don't see it stopping, not in the near future. I think when tickets are more like $125, or $130, as we go over the next number of years if they go up that high, there will be a downswing in attendance. But it is still a great value relative to other values for other kinds of venues for families.

BALDWIN: Let's talk about maybe ways people could save a little bit of money, Eli.

And I know some people can creatively throw some water bottles and some food in some diaper bags, which I'm sure people do to try to skirt some of the costs in the park, but what else? Are there any ways to get around the costs, discounts, deals, etcetera? There have to be.

PORTNOY: Yes, there are, of course.

Disney wants the family to stay on Disney property, to eat Disney food, to do nothing but Disney everything. So there are offers always to encourage that. And so if you're staying at a Disney hotel or you're in some proximity on the property, there are deals for you.

The ticket prices, I think, most hurt the families who stay off property to save money on accommodations and then don't have access to the same discounts. But Disney is very good to their loyal families who stay on the property, spend all their money there. That's Disney's objective, to capture every dollar you are going to spend on your Disney vacation at Disney and not see any of it get filtered off to any of the side properties or even to the other entertainment venues.

BALDWIN: So, you're saying stay loyal to Disney and maybe you can save some money along the way?

PORTNOY: Yes, there are definitely deals. Yes, there are definitely deals out there.

BALDWIN: Yes. Eli, thank you so much. I'm sure people are looking all the time. Eli Portnoy, appreciate it, talking about Disney World, Disneyland.

Coming up, the new head of the IRS being grilled. Here we go, live pictures on Capitol Hill right now. We are going to take you live there, tell you what's happening next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: Now to "THE NEXT LIST" and a case of quirky science with big potential. There is an inventor, Izhar Gafni, invented a cardboard bike that is deceptively strong, cheap to make and has the potential to revolutionize transportation all around the world. Check it out.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

IZHAR GAFNI, INVENTOR: Best way to test bicycle, you take them and go ride. Go ride across the USA. Go ride across this road.

My name is Izhar Gafni. I invented and build the cardboard bicycle. It is a bicycle like any other bicycle, holds the same, drives the same. The only difference, cardboard is extremely cheap, very durable and can be fully recycled.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Can this bike change the world? This Saturday on "THE NEXT LIST," the cardboard bike guy, Izhar Gafni.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: We have been awaiting the start of that hearing on Capitol Hill. Want to show you some live pictures here and tell you what is happening.

So, the new head of the IRS, a man by the name of Danny Werfel, tapped by President Obama to get over there and clean up the mess. You have heard about the extra scrutiny given by the IRS to tax-exempt requests from Tea Party groups. And now it turns out we had the tax- collecting group paying taxpayer dollars on junkets.

That included such antics as this, sophomoric team building exercise to the tune of some $50 million. Yee, Bob. "Gilligan's Island." Get it? These are the folks who collect the taxes.

Dana Bash, it looks as though Werfel has a big job ahead of him.

DANA BASH, CNN SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: He certainly does

And we're expecting him to begin his opening statement any minute. As you would expect, Brooke, if you were advising him, you would probably tell him to do the same thing, and that is look ahead, not backwards, because he is the guy, as you said, that the president put in charge after he effectively fired the acting IRS commissioner, Steven Miller.

He's probably going to argue, we understand from sources, that he thinks of change with the IRS with regard to making sure that there are policies are in place and regulations that would prevent that kind of junket from going on now.

And this is about an IRS inspector general report, another one that we're going to see likely tomorrow, which details really kind of lavish spending, $4 million for a convention in Anaheim, and $1,500-a- night suites spent -- used by IRS employees, and it looks like that money was spent without any kind of question by them. So that's the kind of thing that we're going to see him questioned on. And, of course, of course, the whole issue of the targeting of Tea Party groups, that is another thing he's going to have to deal with and probably will be questioned here.

This specifically is a hearing about the IRS funding, the appropriations bill. And it's already been mentioned that the IRS does get tens of millions of dollars from the taxpayers every year. So they're hoping that the IRS uses it and spends it wisely in the future.

BALDWIN: I know you're there on the Hill. You're watching. We're waiting for that Daniel Werfel opening statement. And if there are fireworks, Dana Bash, we're coming back to you. Appreciate it.

BASH: OK.

BALDWIN: And 11 young people kidnapped from a nightclub in broad daylight, this happened in Mexico City in an upscale part of town, just blocks actually from the U.S. Embassy. This mass abduction took place eight days ago and police still haven't found the victims.

Nick Parker joins us live from Mexico City.

And, Nick, just walk me through the details. What happened?

NICK PARKER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is really a crime that shocked Mexico City, as you say, eight days on, still no closer to really getting close to culprits or any other kind of further progression on the investigation.

The crime took place just behind me here, about 50 meters from where I'm standing right now. And, as you can see, this is a very vibrant, busy part of Mexico City. It is one of the main streets, one of the main arteries for traffic in the capital and it's a popular area for tourists. There's a lot of hotels.

And there's also one of the main financial districts in Mexico City. So the fact that it took place here, I think, has certainly surprised a lot of people. But what -- I think the nature of what happened is perhaps the most shocking thing. And basically we're getting accounts that are coming in now from families of the missing people, and they say that about 10:00 a.m. in the morning, in broad daylight, the missing loved ones were in a bar in an after-hours place, and they were told that the police had arrived and were told by bar staff to leave the bar and go into the street.

At that stage, apparently, there were several SUVs which arrived, which were driven by men with guns and masks, and basically the relatives say that they still are no clearer to finding out what happened to these people who went missing. Here's what one relative had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARIA TERESA RAMOS, VICTIM'S GRANDMOTHER (through translator): This supposedly happened on a Sunday in broad daylight. This couldn't have happened during the day and only a few steps from the Reforma Avenue without anybody noticing. There should be surveillance cameras that can show us exactly what happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PARKER: And, Brooke, that's very key, is that there have been no reports of surveillance cameras either inside the bar or in the street that were working at the time. It is a mystery about what exactly happened that morning. And the police at this stage are still saying people are missing, as opposed to kidnapped -- Brooke.

BALDWIN: That's incredible that it was so close to Reforma. That's like the Broadway, you know, Broadway of Mexico City.

Nick Parker for us in Mexico City, thank you so much. We will follow that case.

We're also following this tragic, just gut-wrenching story about this 10-year-old girl fighting for her life. She needs lungs to live. She needs a lung transplant. But because of her age, she might not be able to get a pair of lungs in time, that little girl's parents pleading for a last-minute rule change. But who makes the rules that ultimately have these life-or-death consequences? And can they be changed? Should they be changed in circumstances like this? We will talk to an expert in medical ethics coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: The pressure could not be more intense. The stakes could not be higher for the family of Sarah Murnaghan. She needs a lung transplant now. The 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl has weeks to live. That's what her parents told us.

Cystic fibrosis has nearly wiped out her lungs. Her father, who I just talked to last hour, says that Sarah does know how close to death she is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FRAN MURNAGHAN, FATHER OF SARAH MURNAGHAN: We were holding her in our arms, and she was tired and clearly wanted to go to sleep. And she point -- directly asked us, can I go to sleep? And, of course, we said, if you're tired, of course. And then she followed up and asked us, if I go to sleep, will I wake up tomorrow?

BALDWIN: Oh.

MURNAGHAN: As a parent, I mean, there is nothing more devastating to have a child look in your eyes and ask that type of question.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: As Sarah runs out of time, her parents are running out of options. The latest blow they say came from Kathleen Sebelius. She's the secretary of health and human services, the department that oversees organ donations.

The Murnaghans have been hoping that Sebelius would change the policy that is keeping Sarah from receiving a transplant with adult lungs, and now the family has sent a very lengthy letter to -- from their attorney to the secretary asking her to make those changes.

But I want to broaden this out, talk to Kenneth Goodman, who is the co-director of the ethics programs at the University of Miami.

So, Kenneth, welcome to you.

It is a tough -- it is an incredibly just gut-wrenching situation obviously for parents here. But here's what I want to know. Just tell me how many Sarah Murnaghans, how many cases where you're a child, you're not put in the adult category, you're a child, but you need an organ transplant like this, how many are out there?

Thousands, actually.

KENNETH GOODMAN, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI: It is a great question.

And for those people, those viewers, those citizens who have anguish and distress over this case, it is a reminder that you really need to be an organ donor, that we -- that in fact if you're not an organ donor and you feel any discomfort over the case, you have actually -- you're gaming the system.

This is a problem that is caused for children and for adults by an inadequate number of available organs. And a lot these cases, which bubble up in very interesting and distinctive ways, as you see here, wouldn't be cases if we had a bunch more organs. And it would be easy enough to get them if more people agreed.

BALDWIN: What about in addition to that -- and I'm glad you made that point -- what about the fact that there are all -- it's the rules, right, and you have rules for a reason, I realize. The Murnaghans, we know, first asked this organ donation network to change the rules for Sarah. They declined. Secretary Sebelius asking for a policy review, that could take up to two years.

But there must be a reason that the rules for organ donation are so tough to change.

GOODMAN: Well, they're tough to change because they were long in the making.

These are rules that are designed to save as many lives as possible with a very, very scarce resource. Urgency and severity matter. So does length of time on the list. There are a number of different factors that go into this. And any tweak on one part causes a perturbation in another.

So, these rules, which, by the way, have served us really well for generations and I think have built great trust in the system of organ donation, ought not to be changed lightly and probably ought to -- are always subject to review. Doing the review under the gun and under the klieg lights might not be the best way to undertake it, though.

BALDWIN: Kenneth, you study these cases each and every day. We were talking in the commercial this is what you do. As familiar as you are with this Sarah Murnaghan story, do you think there should be an exception here made? I know it is a toughie.

GOODMAN: One of the issues -- well, it's not so much that it's a toughie.

The subsidiary issue is boffins like me going on television like this and passing judgment in cases with which we are -- have only peripheral familiarity.

BALDWIN: Yes. Yes.

GOODMAN: The answer to that might be yes; it might be no. But I don't think it is my place to second-guess Secretary Sebelius. She's on the case.