Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park

Publication Year: 1962.

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park. On August 18, Tom Brown (15) and John Wall (15) were practicing on the rocks just west of Hidden Falls. Brown was leading a pitch using a waist sling with a carabiner attached to the belay rope. Wall was belaying Brown and was out of sight when the belayer heard Brown call “falling” and waited for the shock to come on the rope. No shock came. David Johns had a group of climbers on the practice rocks and turned around in time to see Brown falling. Johns and Ron Cockrell, one of Johns’ climbing partners, went to where Brown landed. He was severely injured by the 150-ft. fall and died shortly thereafter The accident was reported to the Jenny Lake Ranger Station and the Park Rescue Team was dispatched at 3:30 p.m. The complete evacuation was accomplished by 5:30 p.m.

Source: F. Douglas McLaren; Bill Echo.

Analysis: Carabiner gate was forced open by twist in rope or rope came untied. There is further evidence that he may have fainted.