Failure to Follow Route, Stranded, Inadequate Equipment, Exceeding Abilities

California, Yosemite Valley
Climb Year: N/A. Publication Year: 1981.

On June 12, 1980, David Swarbrick (19) was leading the first pitch of Direct South Face (5.10) and was approximately 40 feet up when he fell. As he was more than 20 feet above his last protection, he hit the ground. He suffered lacerations and contusions of the head and legs and a sprained elbow. He was then carried down to the road and taken to the hospital. (Source: Hal Grovert, SAR Officer, Yosemite National Park)