FALLING ROCK, POOR POSITION

Colorado, Sangre de Cristo Range, Crestone Needle

On August 22, 1993, a 38 year old man was struck by a falling rock near the summit of Crestone Needle while climbing with four others. He was struck in the face, and then fell down the slope. A body recovery was completed the next day.

Analysis

The victim was wearing a helmet, but he looked up when he heard the rockfall above him. It was apparently a spontaneous rockfall. (Source: Western State College Mountain Rescue Team)