On June 26, Jonathan Paul Schleicher (32) of Leawood, Kansas, fell 60 feet while rock climbing in Ten Sleep Canyon. He was attempting to redpoint Give Up the Funk (5.13a) at the Funky Town crag and took a fatal ground fall due to an unfinished knot.

Friends and fellow climbers who were present attempted to render aid. Responding agencies included Ten Sleep Ambulance and Ten Sleep Fire Department. The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating; no additional details about the route or the nature of the fall have been released.

ANALYSIS

Ten Sleep Canyon is one of the premier limestone sport climbing destinations in North America. Climbers should verify the integrity of their tie-in before leaving the ground. Partner checks should become a habit. (Sources: Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and the Editors.)