FALL ON ROCK, PROTECTION PULLED OUT, INADEQUATE PROTECTION

Kentucky, Red River Gorge, Muir Valley

On April 22, a male climber (40) was nearing the top of a short dihedral on a trad route called “Short and Sweet” (5.7), located at the Practice Wall. He took a lead fall, causing his upper protection pieces to pop out, causing him to hit the ground. He sustained a crushed vertebra. He was carefully packaged onto a spine board, placed in a litter, and delivered to an awaiting helicopter.

Analysis

This accident was caused by tenuously placed gear. The climber commented that he should have put in more pieces. (Source: Rick Weber)