FALL ON ROCK–RAPPEL ERROR, NO HARD HAT

Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Rincon

On January 26, a 25-year-old man was fatally injured when he fell 20 to 30 feet in Eldorado Canyon State Park. The Boulder County Sheriff’s office said the accident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. as the victim was rappelling. He was not wearing a helmet and sustained severe injuries when he landed on his head. His climbing partner summoned emergency help, but the victim was pronounced dead as he was being evacuated from the canyon. (Source: Edited from articles appearing in Rocky Mountain News and Boulder Daily Camera)

Analysis

Rincon is a crag in Eldorado Canyon with generally mid to upper range difficulty climbs 5.9-5.12 up to three pitches. Rincon is also a climb that is rated 5.1 la. One normally does not rappel off it. (Source: Leo Paik)