FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING ALONE AND UNROPED, NO HARD HAT, EXCEEDING ABILITIES

Arizona, Bell Rock, North Face

According to witnesses, the young man (23) was in a hurry to get to the top of this rock and was seen almost “running” up the side toward the Class Five section 100 feet below the top. He fell as he neared the top, the most difficult section, and fell over 75 feet down a sheer cliff. He died of massive head injuries before our team could get to him. All efforts to resuscitate the victim failed. His body was removed by helicopter, using a short haul. (Source: Reed Thorne, Special Operations Captain, Sedonia Fire Department)

Analysis

We do not know whether this person was a climber, but he clearly got himself into a climbing situation rapidly. (Source: Jed Williamson)