Rappelling accidents Published annually since 1948, Accidents in North American Climbing documents the year’s most significant and teachable climbing accidents. May 12, 2025 · Three climbers died near North Early Winters Spire, WA, on Sunday. Jun 17, 2025 · 2025 Climbing Accident Trends: What the Data Tells Us It’s that time of year again–the AAC has invited the editor of Accidents in North American Climbing, Pete Takeda, to hop on the pod to chat about emerging trends in climbing accidents. The majority of climbing accidents and deaths on the Tower occur during the rappel. He fell 730 metres from just below the top of El Cap. 3 days ago · WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A U. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling approximately 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge in the state’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, the park said. Mar 2, 2025 · In 2024, Maurice Chen and editor Dougald McDonald, worked together to produce Chinese translation of Accidents in North American Climbing. May 14, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains in Washington on May 11, 2025. Oct 7, 2025 · The nature of the tragedy was all too familiar for the climbing community, which in 2019, lost Brad Gobright to a similar accident in El Potrero Chico. Seen people in the gym accidentally get their achilles punctured through a carabiner and they're dangling from it upside down. Whether you’re descending a towering cliff, a rock face, or even an urban structure, rappelling offers a unique way to experience heights and nature. (AP) — Three climbers from suburban Seattle were killed in a fall over the weekend in North Cascades National Park, sheriff’s officials said. May 12, 2025 · Three climbers falling to their deaths in Okanogan County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Four climbers The three climbers from the Puget Sound region who died and a fourth who was able to seek help after a rappelling accident in the North Cascades have been identified. m. May 13, 2025 · A preliminary investigation has determined that the accident happened after an anchor failed while the climbers were rappelling down the steep terrain, though the investigation is still ongoing. Miller died rappelling off the end of his rope after completing the final pitch of Sea of Dreams. Four of these fall/trauma accidents involved rappelling or rope rescue training. AP’s Lisa Dwyer reports on the 911 call made by a sole survivor of a rock-climbing fall. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. Okanogan County Sheriff's Office via AP Jun 26, 2025 · The Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) responded to the accident and later provided an in-depth analysis. May 13, 2025 · Three rock climbers were killed over the weekend in a climbing accident in the North Cascade mountains in Washington state, as investigators look into equipment failure. The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team assisted in recovering the climbers who had died. Usually, the cause of fatal rappelling accidents 4 days ago · OKANOGAN COUNTY — Three people are dead after a Sunday climbing accident on North Early Winters Spire near Mazama. Mistakes are easy to make; accidents happen all the time—and they’re often fatal. The men were identified yesterday as 48-year-old Vishnu Irigireddy of Renton, 36-year Mar 16, 2021 · Rappelling accidents are far too common, and while there are a number of human errors that can lead to an accident, not clipping in to both ropes is one of the deadliest. She was 31. Sep 27, 2019 · In a study published in 2012, the American Alpine Club AAC found that three reasons are responsible for almost 75% of all rappelling accidents: Anchor failure No or inadequate backup Rappelling off the end of the rope Accident statistics from the German alpine club (VDBS) show similar results. The men were part of a four-person group climbing near the summit of Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, on Monday. The incident is believed to be caused by anchor failure while rappelling. May 13, 2025 · 3 Dead, 1 Survivor Left with a 'Traumatic' Injury After Fall While Rock Climbing The fall was reportedly caused by "an anchor failure," but an investigation is still ongoing The climber who fell was 30-year-old Micah Manalese. Sep 28, 2024 · Starting in 1948, the American Alpine Club has published an annual report of climbing related accidents in the US and Canada. May 15, 2025 · MAZAMA, Wash. Allowing accident analysis to be more widespread. . It happened around 1:15 p. We take climbing accidents from our renowned yearly publication "Accidents in North American Climbing" and distill important climbing lessons from them, thanks to expert accident analysis. According to the Washington County Sheriff May 16, 2025 · The sole climber who survived a 400-foot fall in Washington’s North Cascades National Park passed out for several hours, woke up in the dark and drove 40 miles to a pay phone to call for help. Oct 4, 2023 · On September 28, an experienced Korean climbing guide reportedly passed away in Yosemite, after rappelling off the end of his rope while descending from Sickle Ledge on the iconic El Cap route, The Nose (VI 5. Two members were rescued by helicopter after authorities received a distress call late that night. Jul 26, 2025 · So, you're curious about abseiling, also known as rappelling in some parts of the world. Other friends nearly paralyzed because of inattentive belayer decking them. Balin Miller, 23, a promising athlete in Jul 30, 2025 · Double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier has died in a climbing accident aged 31, her management and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) confirmed to CNN Sports. Here’s what we know so far about the accident and Tselykh’s overnight escape. Oct 7, 2024 · The National Park Service has issued a press release about a recent canyoneering accident in Heaps Canyon that left a 40-year-old man deceased. — Three rock climbers died over the weekend in the North Cascades after an apparent equipment failure caused them to fall approximately 400 feet while rappelling on nearly Oct 10, 2024 · Utah CEO, family social media influencer dies after 200-foot fall in Zion National Park Lindon man was part of organized group of canyoneers when accident occurred. This was one of two fatal accidents in 2022 due to a broken rappel-anchor sling. May 13, 2025 · Three died at the scene, while the fourth climber self-extricated and contacted law enforcement. The thing is: With a few simple behavioral rules, most of these accidents could have been prevented Jun 10, 2018 · Stijn Dijkstra / EyeEm / Getty Images Rappelling is one of the most dangerous climbing activities since the climber relies exclusively on his equipment and anchors to safely slide down the rope. May 14, 2025 · A preliminary investigation has determined that the accident happened after an anchor failed while the climbers were rappelling down the steep terrain, though the investigation is still ongoing. Here are six of the worst mountaineering tragedies. I've seen traumatic injuries in bouldering and ropes. Comprehensive guide to provide a complete look at rappelling techniques. Micah Manalese was attempting to rappel down the popular Community Pillar route when she fell more than 100ft / 30. Brandon Levander died while rappelling in Arizona’s Sierra Canyon after the rock anchor blew, which resulted in a 25-foot head-first fall. May 13, 2025 · NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, Wash. Consult multiple sources for information on a route, as suggested gear varies between guidebooks. Jun 8, 2016 · Photo: Andrew Burr Since 1951, Accidents in North American Mountaineering has chronicled hundreds of rappelling accidents and fatalities in the United States and Canada. climber was among two people killed in a fall on Aoraki, New Zealand’s tallest peak, authorities said Wednesday. Nov 29, 2013 · The process of rappelling is simple in concept, but it can seem complicated in practice, especially at first. (Photo courtesy: Okanogan County Sheriff's Office) May 12, 2025 · About 11:30 a. Jan 9, 2023 · Bryan Caldwell began climbing in 1998 when he joined the University of Kansas climbing club. May 12, 2025 · Officials said the presumed cause of the accident is anchor failure while rappelling, but the investigation into the incident is ongoing. May 12, 2025 · Three people are dead, and another is injured after falling off of a mountain in a climbing accident involving a suspected failed anchor while they were rappelling. 1 at the age of 23. Search and rescue officials, were in the midst another Because of this, rappelling is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the fatalities in climbing, compared to how simple of an activity it is. Oct 4, 2023 · On September 28, an experienced Korean climbing guide reportedly passed away in Yosemite, after rappelling off the end of his rope while descending from Sickle Ledge on the iconic El Cap route May 12, 2025 · Authorities say the apparent cause of the accident was an anchor failure as they were rappelling in a steep gulley in the North Early Winters Spire area. Sep 29, 2022 · Keep reading to learn more about the basics of rappelling, along with essential techniques and safety considerations to help keep you and your climbing partner safe while rappelling during your climbing adventures. The consequence of most rappelling accidents is death since most climbers take long falls after becoming detached from the rope or if the anchors fail. Jul 24, 2024 · Rappelling is the climbing term used to describe the act of descending a mountain, crag or wall on a rope that is attached to an anchor at the top. One canyoneer has died after an accidental fall near the exit of Heaps May 14, 2025 · We’re learning more about the climbing accident that left three men dead in the North Cascades last weekend. Dec 15, 2022 · The Death Valley accident wasn’t the only recent incident of its kind. Last year, at least four canyoneering deaths took place in the United States. To rappel, you need to connect yourself to the rope through some mechanism that creates friction to slow you down. What other countries do the same? Here is a summary. May 12, 2025 · Three people died and one other person was able to free themself during a climbing accident in Washington state, authorities said Monday. The other two couldn’t be May 12, 2025 · The cause of the accident is presumed to be an anchor failure while rappelling, according to Okanogan County Sheriff's Office. While the risks associated with rappelling—and climbing for that matter—can never be totally eliminated, there are steps we can take to boost security and mitigate hazards. Jan 20, 2025 · Routes are typically long and sustained in grade. Jul 30, 2025 · Laura Dahlmeier, two-time Olympic champion biathlete, dies in Pakistan climbing accident The 31-year-old was killed by falling rocks while climbing Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range By Cody Search the complete archives of the American Alpine Journal and Accidents in North American Climbing, published by the American Alpine Club. One rappelling accident resulted in a fatality. 9 C2 3000’). The 31-year-old May 12, 2025 · Three people have died and one person was able to get help following a rock climbing accident in the North Cascades. Jan 21, 2025 · The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said a climber is dead after falling from a climbing route in Red Rock. Below is the full press release about the most recent incident. The annual report Accidents in North America Mountaineering (ANAM) has been the definitive source of information regarding incidents occurring in the climbing and mountaineering community on a yearly basis since 1950. Had friends break legs taking a huge fall over a lip outside and slamming into the rock wall. In general, rappelling off the end of one’s rope can be prevented by tying stopper knots at the ends. This happening in the area of North Early Winter Spire off of State Route 20 Sunday morning a little bit before noon. May 14, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains (Okanogan County Sheriff's Office via AP) May 12, 2025 · Three people in a party of four climbers from Renton were killed in a climbing accident in the North Cascades on Sunday. It's one of those exhilarating activities that allows you to descend a steep face, such as a cliff or tall building, using a rope and a friction device. Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. In the article below I’m going to go into each of these four elements in more detail and describe what exactly it is that causes accidents while rappelling. (Okanogan County Sheriff's Office via AP) Dec 1, 2017 · Mountains are some of the most beautiful places on this earth, but don't let their beauty bewitch you. “ [The] contents included: one cooking set, one machete, one bullwhip, and one case of Natty Light. Andrew Arvig rappelled past an anchor in Utah’s Heaps Canyon and was unable to ascend back to the May 15, 2025 · BELLEVUE, Wash. Jul 9, 2025 · A man rappelling in North Carolina’s rugged Linville Gorge died at the base of a popular waterfall, according to searchers. Here’s the step-by-step process of rappelling plus some tips to prevent mistakes. May 14, 2025 · SEATTLE – Three King County residents fell to their deaths while climbing in the North Cascades over the weekend, while a fourth climber survived. May 14, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains in Washington on Sunday, May 11, 2025. “He showed up to his first climbing trip (which was with the club) with a giant external frame backpack,” wrote longtime friend Ward Byrum. ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah (KTVX/KUCW) — A 58-year-old man died in a rappelling accident at Zion National Park’s Pine Creek Canyon over the weekend. Sunday, July 6, at Steele Creek Falls in Jul 30, 2025 · German Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died following a climbing accident on a mountain peak in northern Pakistan. It's more commonly referred to as abseiling in some countries. Sheriff’s personnel and county search and rescue volunteers responded to the accident late Sunday morning about 16 miles (26 kilometers) west of Mazama in an area of rock formations that are popular with climbers Jul 30, 2025 · German biathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier died Monday in a climbing accident. The three climbers from the Puget Sound region who died and a fourth who was able to seek help after a rappelling accident in the North Cascades have been identified. Being in the mountains you experience the raw Oct 2, 2025 · One of climbing’s most iconic walls witnessed a tragic accident this week, after a young climber died in an accident on El Capitan in Yosemite this week. S. 5m, sustaining multiple serious injuries. Sep 26, 2025 · From the state with the most fatalities, to the most common injury, preview some fast stats from the 2025 ‘Accidents in North American Climbing’ May 14, 2025 · A climbing fatality in Washington occurred over the weekend when a party of four took a long fall after their anchor failed. Okanogan County Sheriff's Office via AP According to Jul 3, 2025 · "The last thing I remember is landing feet first on the ground, crumpling in a heap," a victim said after their climbing rope accident. When you’re rappelling off a rope thread through an anchor, or off two ropes tied through an anchor, you have to clip into both strands of rope. Learn more about belaying accidents, rappelling accidents, trad anchor accidents, and more —and what May 14, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains in Washington on Sunday,. Climbing has become an increasingly popular sport, and the number of accidents is increasing in parallel. Aug 24, 2015 · In February 2009, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) published an update of its “Police Training Fatality Report. Oct 13, 2022 · The latest rock climbing and bouldering statistics regarding accidents, injuries, deaths, demographics, industry size, and popularity In 2023, we published 14 rappel accidents, seven of which involved failure of or mistake at the anchor; eight serious injuries were reported, and five fatalities were a direct result of broken Oct 3, 2025 · Alpinist Balin Miller, one of the most accomplished climbers of his generation, died in Yosemite National Park on Oct. Mountains draw climbers who have a love of nature and possess an adventurous spirit. The German Jul 9, 2025 · A man is dead after a rappelling incident at a waterfall led to his drowning, emergency officials say. May 13, 2025 · WASHINGTON — Three people have died, and one person survived after a rock-climbing accident in Washington on Sunday. Dahlmeier's death was confirmed by her team in a post on Instagram. They were part of a four-person group involved in the ascent on North May 14, 2025 · Here's what we know about the climbing accident where three King County residents fell to their deaths, while a fourth climber survived. The accident was captured on a TikTok livestream. "The presumed cause of the accident is an anchor failure while rappelling," the sheriff's office said. Feb 1, 2025 · The climber who fell was 30-year-old Micah Manalese. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office says the climbers, all from Renton, were descending a steep gully about 11:30 a. Hazards include rock falls, avalanches, weather, falls, illness, but despite these dangers people have been climbing mountains for thousands of years. The sheriff’s office said that the presumed cause of the accident is an anchor failure while rappelling Sep 29, 2022 · Besides these three primary concerns, other less common causes for accidents are issues with the rappel device, getting stranded on the cliff due to inadequate rope length, or harness and belay loop failure. One survivor was able to get himself out and to safety to call for help. Apr 11, 2023 · In this month's dose of climbing accidents, we cover a rappel failure that was most likely caused by an improperly set-up top-rope anchor. Technical rock climbing equipment is required to safely climb at Devils Tower National Monument. A second video taken by the climbing May 13, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains in Washington on Sunday, May 11, 2025. When abseiling, the person descending controls their own movement down a static or fixed rope, in contrast to lowering off, in which the rope attached to the person descending is payed out by their belayer. ” The update was broken down into different sections with one of the sections covering training fatalities by fall/trauma. Rappelling errors remain a leading cause of fatalities among climbers. Yosemite guru Tom Evans, author of the popular blog “El Cap Report,” broke the news of the accident on September 29. Jan 22, 2025 · Two rescues occurred simultaneously in Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon over the weekend. Miller was known for his bold solos, including the Jun 10, 2025 · Inexperience and weather were key factors in a climbing accident that killed three climbers and severely injured another in the North Cascades this spring. Read the full accident report to get analysis on why the rappel failed, and how you can avoid an accident like this—with locking carabiners, opposite and opposed Jun 10, 2018 · Yager said the accident illustrates a growing problem in Yosemite and other premier climbing spots where enthusiasts, backed by advertising and sponsorships, often are more interested in fast May 12, 2025 · Officials said the presumed cause of the accident is anchor failure while rappelling, but the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Jul 28, 2011 · Mountaineering is one of the finest outdoor pursuits one can take part in. Jul 10, 2025 · Rappelling, also known as abseiling, is an exhilarating outdoor activity that combines adventure, skill, and a touch of adrenaline. We aim at describing the characteristics of climbing accidents leading to severe (multisystem) trauma using data from the International Alpine Aug 18, 2022 · A few famous climbing accidents have resulted in true survival situations, where the misery and uncertainty are prolonged for days or weeks. It can also be the most dangerous. 7 Types of Rappelling revealed! Standard, Military, Simul and more. — The survivor of a deadly climbing fall in the North Cascades shared Wednesday what led up to the accident that killed three people on Mother's Day. The Okanogan County Sheriff's Nov 29, 2019 · But a Reddit climbing forum discussed the dangers of rappelling in the wake of Gobright's death, posting statistics which suggest more than a quarter of climbing accidents in North America happen Sep 24, 2024 · A climbing accident at Devils Tower's El Cracko Diablo, resulted in the seventh rock climber fatality at the national monument. Each incident is analyzed by experts to show what went wrong in order to help climber avoid similar problems in the future. If you can add to it, let me know! Sep 24, 2024 · A 21-year-old rock climber has died after “sustaining major injuries” while climbing Devil’s Tower National Monument, authorities said. Jul 30, 2025 · Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time German biathlon Olympic gold medalist, has died after a climbing accident in Pakistan, her management team and local government officials confirmed. Jun 10, 2025 · The group of Seattle-area climbers who died May 10 while attempting to descend a climbing route in the North Cascades made a series of mistakes in the lead-up to the accident that resulted in the May 24, 2024 · A climbing guide atop Mount Everest captured video of the crowded summit ridge before a cornice collapsed in a tragedy in which two climbers went missing. Rappelling is trained and used recreationally when caving, climbing, and canyoneering but it is also used by emergency crews such as firefighters, SWAT teams, and search and rescue. May 14, 2025 · An anchor failure led to a deadly climbing fall in Washington's North Cascades, claiming three lives during a rock climbing trip. Even the military uses rappelling for their Special Forces. when a rappelling anchor apparently gave way, causing them to fall to their deaths. May 14, 2025 · Four men who were climbing in Washington’s North Cascades mountains fell roughly 400 feet, a drop that killed three of them. May 15, 2025 · The Okanogan County Search and Rescue team responds to a climbing accident in the North Cascades mountains in Washington on Sunday, May 11, 2025. May 13, 2025 · Three people died at the scene, and another person got themselves to safety to get help. Oct 15, 2025 · A climber and 12-year technical rescue expert shares surprising insights into why his state has so many climbing accidents and fatalities. Rappelling is the art of lowering yourself down a rope in a controlled manner. This is not the first rappelling death in Heaps Canyon, in 2021, a 31-year-old man died while descending the canyon. Sunday, emergency workers with the sheriff’s office and volunteers with the Okanogan County Search and Rescue Association responded to a report of a climbing accident near North May 12, 2025 · Three King County residents died in a North Cascades rock climbing accident over the weekend when their equipment failed as they rappelled down the side of a steep gully near North Early Winters Jan 23, 2025 · A Californian woman has died after a climbing accident in Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon. Learn the basics of rappelling, including preparing at the top of a route, setting up the rappel, using a backup and rappelling down. They concluded that a degraded rappel sling caused the fatal fall of several hundred feet. The Clark County Coroner's Officer declared the manner of death as an accident due to blunt force injuries. ljh kgj bdwjmpu lhuc wrhhd fso zacaj ediosn bhlnei ornp bnqt etmz aeksri vsimkkd mnygyk