A 21-year-old climber tragically fell to his death while descending Devils Tower, a well-known rock formation in Wyoming. Authorities stress the dangers of climbing, even for experienced individuals, and remind the public of essential safety protocols. Here are the critical details surrounding the incident.
Rock Climber Death at Devils Tower: Details of the Incident
- The climber, Stewart Phillip Porter, was from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
- The incident occurred while descending the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo.
- Porter’s fall was reported just before 8 p.m. on Sunday evening.
- Authorities arrived at the scene at 8:40 p.m. and declared Mr. Porter dead due to severe injuries.
- Porter’s climbing partner was stranded and later rescued by search teams.
History of Climbing Accidents at Devils Tower
- Seven recorded climbing deaths have occurred at the tower, with Porter being the most recent.
- Four of these deaths happened during descents, emphasizing the high risk involved in rappelling.
- The monument has been a popular climbing destination for over 100 years, attracting between 5,000 and 6,000 climbers annually.
What Led to the Fall?
- The exact cause of Porter’s fall is still unknown, but park officials noted that many accidents at Devils Tower occur during the descent phase of climbs.
Climbing Safety Reminders from the National Park Service
Park officials took this opportunity to stress the importance of safety while climbing. Below are their recommendations:
- Check the weather: Always monitor weather conditions before and during a climb.
- Animal awareness: Keep an eye out for animals like insects, birds, and reptiles that could pose unexpected hazards.
- Route preparation: Verify route details from multiple sources, as required gear can vary.
- Anchor inspections: The park does not maintain anchors—ensure all anchors are secure and backed up if needed.
- Rappel tips: Begin rappels over the nose of columns to avoid rope jamming in cracks. Many rappels require two ropes, so check distances beforehand.
Condolences and Rescue Efforts
- Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides, Buck Wild Climbing Guides, and local authorities played crucial roles in the rescue and recovery efforts.
- The park expressed its condolences to Stewart Phillip Porter’s family and thanked the teams involved.
Rising Risks in National Parks
- Climbing accidents are just one of the dangers in U.S. national parks. According to Park Service data, falls are a leading cause of death, alongside vehicle accidents and drownings.
FAQs
1. What is the cause of most climbing accidents at Devils Tower?
Most accidents at Devils Tower occur during rappelling or descent, as highlighted by the recent tragedy.
2. How many climbers have died at Devils Tower?
As of this incident, there have been seven recorded climbing deaths at Devils Tower, four of which happened during descent.
3. What safety measures should climbers take at Devils Tower?
Climbers are advised to check weather conditions, inspect all anchors, ensure they know their rappel route, and avoid dislodging loose rocks onto others below.
4. Is climbing Devils Tower considered dangerous?
Yes, while fatalities are infrequent, climbing Devils Tower remains inherently dangerous due to unpredictable conditions and the technical nature of descents.
5. Who assisted in the rescue operation after the fall at Devils Tower?
The Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides, Buck Wild Climbing Guides, and local authorities were involved in rescuing the stranded climber and recovering Stewart Phillip Porter.
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