CLIMBING ALONE and UNROPED, DISTRAUGHT, Arkansas, Sam's Throne

Publication Year: 1997.

CLIMBING ALONE and UNROPED, DISTRAUGHT

Arkansas, Sam’s Throne

On October 12, Chris Harris (23) was soloing at night on Instant Trauma (5.10a) when he fell 75 feet to his death.

Analysis

Harris came out late in the afternoon, and was supposed to meet friends. But they didn‘t show up. He took all his gear—rope, solo aid device, etc.—and laid it out neatly at the bottom of the cliff. However, when he was found, it was obvious that he didn’t use any of it. It was also known that he had several unresolved personal problems which may have had an effect on his actions. (Source: Mark Allen)