Most meetups are just that...you meet up at the trailhead and go at your own pace. There are no leaders, only organizers. It is not unusual for people to be separated by as much as six to eight hour on a high this long. These are not highly organized trip you would find at the Sierra Club.
The person who died on Army Pass a few years ago did so on a snow choked Army Pass, not the a clear of snow Army Pass we have today. They are two different animals.
Only Mr. Heng knows why he chose Army Pass for the descent. It certainly is easier overall but there are two little light class 3 sections that will not bother most. As most know, the trails from Army and New Army Pass meet up at Cottonwood Creek at the 10,470' level.
Based on information available, this appears to be very sad accident...a slip or a fall, that could not have been prevented.
