Kings Canyon, Windy Cliff—On August 27, 1954, Roy Arnold (approx. 30) and Ed Barnes (approx. 30) rappeled down the face of Windy Cliff in Kings Canyon in an effort to get at the entrance of Cliff Cave which is located near the top but on the face of this cliff. They made a “hasty” rappel in an attempt to get down the cliff before the sun went down. On the last rappel with Arnold going down last, the rappel rope slipped over the top of its anchor. Arnold fell and struck his back on a protruding rock. He spun off this and continued to fall and landed on Barnes. The two fell to the next ledge where they stopped. The total fall was about 43 feet. Barnes received a few deep cuts and Arnold a broken rib.

Source: Statement by Roy Arnold in “Mugelnoos”; James Bonner.