FALLING ROCK

Washington, Mount Rainier

On July 4, 1985, at 0100, Jay DeRocher (29) was struck by spontaneous rockfall from Cathedral Rocks Gap while attempting to ascend the Disappointment Cleaver Route. DeRocher was struck on the left side of the torso area by a one meter square boulder, and then fell ten meters down a scree gully. DeRocher was assisted back to Camp Muir by party members with the help of a second party. (Source: James Litch, Ranger, Mount Rainier National Park)

Analysis

Rockfall in this area is not unusual, but one doesn’t expect it at this time of night. (Source: J. Williamson)