INADEQUATE BELAY, FALL ON ROCK

Idaho, City of Rocks National Reserve, Parking Lot Rock

On August 19 Jeff Everett (49) was lowered off the end of his seventy-meter rope on “Delay of the Game.”

He fell at least 20-30 meters, impacting ledges and a Mahogany tree on the way and landed on the ground. He sustained multiple injuries including a broken neck. Bystanders, City of Rocks staff, and local EMS were all involved in his care and transport to Twin Falls Idaho, where he was treated and released after five days.

Analysis

Jeff Everett is a very experienced climber. As to why his belayer dropped him is not stated. Tying in to both ends of the rope would have prevented this accident. (Source: From a report by Brad Schilling, Climbing Ranger)