Near Rollins Springs, Missouri

Publication Year: 1949.

Near Rollins Springs, Missouri. On 14 October 1948, 30 staff members of the Savitar, a University of Missouri student publication, were picnicking near Hinkson Creek. Richard K. Phelps, Jr. (20), attempted to climb a bluff near the creek. When a rock to which he was holding gave way, he fell backwards from a height of about 15 feet. He succumbed to head injuries without regaining consciousness.

Source of information: local information.

Analysis. Phelps was an enthusiastic potential climber: he read extensively and longed to climb mountains, but he had never had the opportunity. The case is one of tragically undirected enthusiasm.