FALLING ROCK

Wyoming, Tetons

On July 12, 1981, Lori Rose and Climbing Ranger Randy Harrington climbed Sentinel Turret in Death Canyon. At the beginning of the second pitch, a large (approximately 10” × 4”) rock came hurtling down from above and hit Harrington on the head. He was tied in at the time and was uninjured, except for a mild headache. The outer surface of his Bell toptex climbing helmet was punctured and the foam beneath crushed. They completed the climb without further incident. (Source: Craig Patterson, Grand Teton National Park)

Analysis

Had it not been for the helmet, the falling rock would have caused a serious, if not fatal, injury. (Source: Craig Patterson, Ranger, Grand Teton National Park)