FALL ON ROCK, CLIMBING UNROPED, EXHAUSTION

Washington, Mount Index

Michael Welch (28), a Seattle climber, died January 11, 1981, in a fall from a rock wall near Index, Snohomish County authorities said.

Welch was climbing without ropes with his older brother on the Lower Town Wall, a half mile west of Index, when he fell 300–400 feet, said Sheriff’s Sargeant Dave Sargent.

Sargent said Welch “had about three years’ experience in climbing hard rock.” He said that Welch became tired and lost his grip or missed his hold and fell. (Source: The Seattle Times, January 12, 1981)