Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park (5)—On August 24, 1956 Sara Sussman (24), A. M. McDermott (30), Ed Ormitz (27), Jewel Mikle (30) and Jay LeBrun (28) were descending from a climb on the Grand Teton and had just gone down the head wall below the “Lower Saddle.” Miss Sussman had walked out on the snow field at the base of the wall. Shortly after starting down the snow field she slipped and fell, then started sliding down the snow field hitting her head on a protruding rock shortly after she started to slide. She continued to slide down the snow field for about 75 feet before she slid into the rocks along the edge of the snow. It was apparent that she hit the rocks back first causing the greater extent of her injuries to the kidney area. Also the contact with the first rock caused a mild concussion and lacerations of the head. The other members of the party made her as comfortable as possible and then one member came down and reported the accident to the Park Service. The Park rescue team evacuated Miss Sussman to the St. John’s Hospital in Jackson.

Source: W. Ward Yeager, Acting Superintendent, Grand Teton National Park.

Analysis: (W. W. Yeager). The climbers were warned by the registration rangers of the dangers of the snow fields, but the members of the party disregarded all precautions and attempted to descend the snow field unroped.

The snow fields late in August are extremely hard and the use of crampons is almost a necessity when traveling any distance on them.