Fall on Rock, Loose Rock - Rockfall, Failure to Test Hold

California, Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock
Climb Year: 2012. Publication Year: 2013.

On June 20 two experienced male climbers (32 and 39) from Japan were scrambling down the gully behind Sentinel Rock (the standard descent), after climbing the Steck-Salathé route (16 pitches, 5.10b). One warned the other of a possible loose slab. The other used it for balance, but it slid on sand, hit him, and sent him on a tumbling fall. His partner went for help. We short-hauled the patient. The fall resulted in a fractured lumbar spine and pneumothorax, but he’s making a full recovery. (Source: John Dill, Ranger.)