FALL ON ICE, ILLNESS

New Hampshire, Stairs Mountain

On November 24, 1984, Rob Walker (27) and Matt Peer had walked six kilometers to a remote ice climb on Stairs Mountain. After ascending twelve meters unroped, Walker apparently fainted as he was trying to place a screw while leaving both tools in place in the ice. He fell to the ground, breaking both ankles, hurting his back, and suffering numerous other minor injuries. Peer went for help, and a six hour litter carry ensued. (Source: Rick Wilcox, New Hampshire Mountain Rescue Service)

Analysis

It seems Walker had recently run a marathon and his blood sugar was not back to normal. He is an expert climber, which is probably why no protection was placed sooner. This accident seems to be mostly bad luck. (Source: Rick Wilcox, New Hampshire Mountain Rescue Service)

(Editor’s Note: There were only three other accidents reported from New Hampshire, and these were in the “incident” (no injury or damage) category. One was a rappel off the end of the rope near the bottom, another was a leader fall by a drunk climber on an easy route, and the last was two benighted/stranded climbers. All these happended on Cathedral Ledge.)