FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING ALONE AND UNROPED

Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Leisure Route

On October 19, Steven Permick (37), an experienced climber, was climbing alone in the Black Canyon. When he failed to return, his father called the Park Service. The body was spotted on a ledge halfway up the Leisure Route on Cruise Gully Permick apparently was free soloing. At a crux move about 60 feet up the pitch, he may have been trying to place protection, but his rope was still in his pack. He fell about 60 feet and probably died soon after. (Source: Arden Anderson, Western State College Mountain Rescue Team)