FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT–SANDALS, OFF ROUTE, NO HARD HAT

Colorado, Boulder Canyon, Near Security Risk Crag

On April 2, a 31-year-old male was attempting to set up a top-rope system when he suffered a fatal fall from a rock outcropping near Security Risk Crag.

Analysis

The victim was attempting to set up a top-rope for his climbing party, consisting of himself, his sister, and his girlfriend. The victim, wearing only sandals, free soloed a traverse toward a location where he thought there were anchor bolts. He reportedly slipped three times as he traversed before finally falling. His head impacted on the rock three times during the fall. He was not wearing a helmet.

The party reported that they thought they were at Security Risk Crag, located well above the roadway in Boulder Canyon, when in fact they were on an unnamed outcropping much closer to the road. (Source: Rocky Mountain Rescue Group)