Fall on Rock, Inadequate Protection, California, Joshua Tree National Monument

Publication Year: 1989.

FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE PROTECTION

California, Joshua Tree National Monument

On February 13, 1988, Jeff Smith (23) took a ten meter fall while attempting to climb “The Blob” (5.7). An improperly placed piece of protection failed to arrest his fall and Smith sustained a closed left femur fracture. Subject was rescued by nine members of the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue Team and then air evacuated. (Source: Tom Patterson, Ranger, Joshua Tree National Monument)