FALL ON ROCK, PLACED NO PROTECTION

California, Yosemite Valley

On June 15, 1987, Mike Vanderbeek age 22, was leading the first pitch of the Steck/Salathe on Sentinel Rock when he took a ten-meter fall to the ground. At the time, he was down-climbing a chimney and looking for an alternative route. He had placed no protection.

He broke his ankle and suffered deep scalp lacerations, but was able to descend the Class 4 slabs and talus slopes to the trail below with the help of his partner. (Source: Dan Dellinges, Ranger, Yosemite National Park)