FALL ON ROCK, LACK OF CONCENTRATION, NO HARD HAT

Ontario, Bon Echo Provincial Park

At approximately 4 p.m. on August 1, 1982, Robert Jones (41) was leading the third pitch on One Pine Route. He was roped in with four other climbers. He slipped on the crux move and fell approximately ten meters down a smooth ramp. His protection, a Friend, held, and he came to rest upside down and unconscious, level with his belayer.

Jones regained consciousness after about three minutes. By this time, two experienced climbers were descending to the site from the top of the cliff, and a doctor was climbing from below. The doctor diagnosed and splinted a broken shoulder. Jones also sustained a concussion and bruises. He was lowered on a rope to a waiting boat and evacuated to the hospital. The entire descent of about 100 meters took over two hours. (Source: M. Melcher)

Analysis

Jones had led this route previously but with a smaller party. His enthusiasm may have reduced his concentration and contributed to the fall. He was not wearing a hard hat.

The length of time to effect the rescue could have been dramatically reduced had there been a trained rescue team coordinated by one person. (Source: M. Melcher)