FALLING ROCK

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, The Pinnacles

On 7 July 1978, John Darragh (21) was belaying his companion who was leading a route on the Pinnacles. His companion dislodged a large rock which hit Darragh and broke his back. A helicopter brought a stretcher and backboard and Darragh was secured to them. His companions were lowering him down the gully when he was struck a second time by a natural rockfall, which broke and compressed his neck vertebrae. (Source: Lynn Michaud)

Analysis

We should all be more careful to leave rocks where we find them, and choose the safest rescue route we can find. (Source: Lynn Michaud)