Colorado, Boulder Canyon Cliff. On September 2, Tink Wilson, Art Dennison, and Robert Powers (27) were climbing a cliff in Boulder Canyon. They were in the above order with Wilson up about 220 ft. where he was being belayed by Dennison for the summit pitch. Powers was below. Wilson dislodged an eight-inch diameter rock that fell and struck Powers a glancing blow on the head. Both Wilson and Dennison called out “rock” but Powers did not understand them. Powers was treated for the head injury and remained conscious during the evacuation. Powers was lowered on belay by his companions assisted by two other climbers. The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group brought a litter to the base of the face in time to lower Powers to the road and a waiting ambulance. Powers suffered a fractured skull but has since recovered.

Source: Ed Anderson.

Analysis: Another instance in which a hard hat would have probably minimized the injury. Ironically Powers had just sold his hard hat!