NO ROPE, CLIMBING ALONE, UNABLE TO DOWNCLIMB, JUMPED

Colorado, Boulder Canyon

On June 24, 1989, Stephen Gilmore (30), David McConnell (27) and Annette Hailey (31) were out to climb Cozyhangon “The Dome.” While getting ready and waiting for another party, Steve strolled off alone. Finding an interesting face, he decided to warm up by bouldering. After climbing about five or six meters up, a hold pulled off and he realized he was further off the ground than he had intended. Unable to downclimb and unwilling to go any further, he finally had to jump. Steve sustained a very severely bruised heel, strained right knee, and minor laceration to his left leg and several minor abrasions. He was able to walk out without assistance and treat his own injuries while David and Annette finished the climb. X-rays later showed Steve had broken nothing but he still was unable to climb for several months. (Source: David McConnell)