Alberta, Banff National Park, Mt. Rundle

Publication Year: 1961.

Alberta, Banff National Park, Mt. Rundle—On August 10, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Weisner, Mr. Paul Bloland, all of Minneapolis, and Miss Ruth Seefeldt of Des Moines, members of the Iowa Mountaineers, attempted to climb Mt. Rundle.

They were driving to the Iowa Mountaineers’ Camp in the Bugaboos, and simply stopped off to stretch their legs. The accident happened about noon as they neared the summit. Mr. Bloland and Mrs. Weisner were slightly ahead, and Mr. Weisner was helping Miss Seefeldt.

He mounted a two-foot step, then turned to help her. Some loose rocks moved a big one which struck Miss Seefeldt in the chest knocking her off balance. She slid face down for about 750 feet down the gully and over some slabs. She was unconscious when the others reached her, and died about three hours later. The Weisners went for help.

Source: Mrs. Phyl Munday.

Analysis: Few parties rope on Rundle, and roping is generally considered unnecessary. But Chief Warden Walter Perren said he felt Miss Seefeldt would have been safer roped.