FALL ON ROCK, EXCEEDING ABILITIES, INADEQUATE BELAY New Hampshire, White Horse Ledge

On July 11, 1987, Jim Murray (30) was on the 5.7 variation of Standard on White Horse Ledge when he fell just after clipping into a bolt there. He dropped six meters before his belayer’s Sticht Plate jammed. Murray broke his talus bone. (Source: Rick Wilcox, New Hampshire Mountain Rescue Service)

Editor’s Note: This route is climbed hundreds of times per year. While there is no pattern to the accidents which occur on it, the frequency of mishaps has to do with its popularity and its attractiveness to beginning lead climbers.