Falling Rock, No Hard Hat, Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park

Publication Year: 1989.

FALLING ROCK, NO HARD HAT

Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park

On October 8, 1988, Bob Drumheller (31) and his partner were at the top of “Touch- N-Go” preparing to rappel when rock fall came down. Drumheller sustained a laceration requiring four stitches. (Source: Eldorado Canyon State Park)

Analysis

This area receives heavy climbing use, and for that reason helmets are advised. Or maybe not climbing in heavy use area. (Source: Eldorado Canyon State Park)

(Editor’s Note: Of the 12 accidents reported from Eldorado Canyon State Park, three were due to inadequate protection and two were caused by spontaneous shoulder dislocation. There was one fatality—a solo climber, who had no equipment other than climbing shoes and a chalk bag.

Our thanks to the rangers for forwarding the information to us.

The other climbing/hiking accident of note in Colorado was the fatal fall of well-known physicist Dr. Heinz Pagels (49) from Pyramid Peak in July. We have no more than newspaper reports on this.)