FALL ON ROCK, NUT FAILURE, NO HARD HAT

California, Yosemite Valley

John Jinishran and Joe Bryant were climbing the North Buttress of Middle Cathedral on June 23 when Jinishran, who was leading, fell. He had just placed a nut and was testing it. It pulled out, and he fell about 30 feet striking his head and becoming unconscious. Bryant rappelled about 700 feet to the ground after securing Jinishran to a sloping ledge. Evacuation was made by a helicopter. A navy corpsman rappelled out of the helicopter to the victim and secured him. They were then lifted to the valley floor. (Source: Hal Grovert, SAR Officer, Yosemite National Park)

Analysis

It appears that the climber did not have a secure stance when he tested his protection. Also, a hard hat would probably have prevented head injury. (Source: Hal Grovert, SAR Officer, Yosemite National Park)