FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING UNROPED

Washington, Lundin Peak

On May 9, 1982, Agris Moruss (40) fell 450 meters to his death. He was leading a student party of ten from the Boeing Alpine Club, with two other instructors, to the summit of Lundin Peak. He was free climbing in order to set up a belay line for the rest of the party when he slipped on a downsloping rock. (Source: G. McKinney, SAR Mission Coordinator)

Analysis

This was probably easy terrain for Moruss. Focusing on aspects not immediately at hand—a temporary inattentiveness—is a problem all guides and climbers must deal with constantly. (Source: J. Williamson)