On May 25, T.J. Brumme (25) was photographing friends climbing in the Cat Slab area of Clear Creek Canyon. He soloed up the far right section of Cat Slab and clipped into the second bolt on a route to take photos. Once finished, he unclipped and then started to downclimb the route. According to friends, the rock he was standing on broke away, causing him to fall approximately 10 feet. During the fall he struck a ledge, knocking him unconscious. He tumbled another 20 feet before it was all over. Brumme escaped with a concussion, a few facial lacerations, and a bruised foot.

Analysis

This accident will definitely make me think twice about soloing anything, no matter the grade. When the rock you’re standing on crumbles, there’s not much you can do about it. (Source: T.J. Brumme.)