On September 14 a female climber (30) made her first trip to New River Gorge. She fell while leading Totally-Clipse (5.8) on Endless Wall. After placing protection she attempted a move, lost her hold, and fell. During the fall she remembered catching her right foot, injuring her ankle. Her gear held, preventing her from hitting the ground. She came to rest against the wall and was lowered to the ground by her belayer. The pair applied a makeshift splint and attempted to self-rescue. Eventually, realizing this was not possible, they called 911.

Rangers responded, repackaged her for a litter raise, and, with assistance from the Fayette County Rope Rescue Team, raised her about 90 feet to the cliff top. Rangers and volunteers carried her about a mile to a waiting ambulance. (Source: edited from an NPS Morning Report.)

Analysis

Falling is an inherent risk in climbing. The pair should be commended for attempting a self-rescue. (Source: Aram Attarian.)