Near Tucson, Arizona. On 9 August 1948 John D. Anderson, a sheriff’s deputy, was assisting in the rescue of a 15-year-old boy who had become isolated on a clifï face the day before. Anderson had been lowered 500 feet down the 1000-foot cliff to the place where the boy was trapped. He then tied the rope around the boy; but, as the two were hoisted upward, he himself merely held onto the rope. About ten feet from the top, Anderson lost his grip and fell 1000 feet. He was instantly killed.

Source of information: newspaper account.

Analysis. This accident was the result of faulty rescue technique. Both persons should certainly have been tied to the rope, or else there should have been two trips or two ropes. The report failed to state whether Anderson had been tied in on the downward trip. Fatigue probably was an important factor in the loss of his grip on the ascent.