On August 8, at 3:45 p.m., Yosemite dispatch received a 911 call from a distressed individual who stated that one of their climbing partners had fallen off a cliff while descending from Sunnyside Bench. His friends had traversed to the base of the cliff and located his body. At the time, the individual was unresponsive and had evidence of fatal injuries.

His partners initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Two rescue team members arrived at their location a short time later. On scene, the rangers confirmed the obvious signs of death and CPR was discontinued. The partners were escorted from the scene by rescue personnel once resuscitation efforts were ceased. The SAR team packaged the deceased on a litter through the talus and on to an ambulance.

ANALYSIS

This tragic accident highlights important lessons for all those traveling unroped in consequential terrain. The Sunnyside Bench is an unmaintained descent and ascent route connecting the valley floor to an obvious bench feature hundreds of feet above the ground. Like many routes adjacent to cliff terrain, this route has inherent dangers. (Source: Yosemite National Park Climbing Rangers.)