California, Sierra Nevada, Mt. Owens. On 12 December Donald Gibson (19) and a companion were attempting to climb the east ridge of Mt. Owens (class 4). One had tried twice before and apparently had some knowledge of belaying. The victim refused a belay and attempted

to climb a fixed rope. He slipped and fell below the rope about 150 feet where he was killed.

Source: Carl Heller.

Analysis: This is a classic example of inexperienced persons who needed an adequate rope, a knowledge of belays, and a realization of the need for belays.