IMPROPER FOOTWEAR—Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Hallett’s Peak. Elizabeth Wilson (23) and Gary Neptune had completed a technical climb of Hallett Peak (Jackson-Johnson route) and had successfully descended back to the base of the route for lunch. After lunch they began their descent to Emerald Lake, via a snowfield. At 3 p.m. Neptune was below Wilson 50 feet, when Wilson slipped and slid down to Neptune where she attempted to grab him. This threw him off balance and they both slid down the snow field out of control for about 200 feet and into a large boulder. Wilson sustained a badly sprained left ankle, strained left arch of the foot and a fractured left humerus. Neptune sustained a strained left knee but was able to walk.

Improvised splinting and first aid was done by Neptune and they continued their descent to Emerald Lake. Assistance of two other Park visitors was later obtained and they reached Emerald Lake at 5 p.m. A carryout operation was initiated and Wilson was evacuated from just below Dream Lake. (Source: Larry Van Slyke, Rocky Mountain National Park)

Analysis: It is common practice to change footwear after a technical climb. But Elizabeth Wilson changed into tennis shoes, which were not the best for descending snowfields. (Source: J. Williamson)