FALL ON ROCK, FAILURE TO FOLLOW ROUTE, NO HARD HAT

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Tunnel Mountain

On August 18, 1982, two brothers (22 and 14) from Calgary were attempting the Gooseberry Route (5.7) on Tunnel Mountain. The older one, who was leading, missed the start of the difficult third pitch and wandered into difficulties. He had gone about half a rope length before getting any protection in. About four meters above his protection, he fell, striking the rock head first. He ended up hanging upside down with a serious head injury and a compound lower leg fracture.

The younger brother was pinned to the belay position and couldn’t move. His cries for help were confused by passers-by as a warning about a bear. People scattered in confusion and it was some time before word reached the Park Warden Office.

It was nearly two hours after the accident before the victim was reached. In the meantime, in spite of his injuries, he had managed to right himself and obtain some support on the steep slope. He was removed under difficult wind conditions by helicopter sling rescue. (Source: T. Davidson, Banff National Park)

Analysis

The victim was not wearing a hard hat and was using only a seat harness. (Source: T. Davidson, Banff National Park)