Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park (1), Avalanche Canyon—On July 6, John Nance (19) and Rodrigo Alconero (20) were on a climbing walk in the Park near Nez Perce Peak. Rodrigo Alconero was somewhat vague as to how the party had entered Avalanche Canyon. He and Nance planned their trip as they went along. Apparently they contoured Nez Perce Peak high enough to utilize a major gulley down into the canyon. This gulley emptied into the first major open meadow. On their descent, large, grassy ledges on the buttress to their right (west) promised an easy traverse up canyon without a loss of altitude. The ledges were divided by a fan of steep slabs ending in a vertical wall above and below. It was here, as they attempted to cross the slabs that they ran into technical climbing. Neither Nance nor Alconero was a trained climber. In attempting to gain a lower vantage point for photographs, Nance slipped, fell, and skidded 250 feet, striking his head just above the ledge where he finally stopped.

Alconero reported the accident to Park Headquarters and evacuation of the body was done by the Ranger staff.

Source: Park Ranger John C. Fonda via Frank R. Oberhansley, Superintendent, G.T.N.P.

Analysis (G.T.N.P.): Misjudgement of terrain seems to account for his fall. Because neither of Nance’s shoes could be found, it is thought that he was probably hiking in sneakers.