Washington, Mox Peak. On August 20, Warren B. Spickard (43), R. Duke Watson, and Phil E. Sharpe were descending after the second ascent of Mox Peak. They were on a moderately steep pitch. Watson had a solidsitting hip belay on Spickard as he climbed down last. When about 25 ft. above his companions a hand hold pulled out and Spickard fell. As he fell his rope was caught by a knifelike projection of rock and cut in two about 12 ft. from him. He plunged 800 ft. to his death. The rope was a new 7/16-inch gold line. Watson and Sharpe reached the body about 3 hours later. They buried him on the spot and raised a cairn.

Source: Newspaper reports; Tony Hovey.