Falling Rock, California, Yosemite Valley

Publication Year: 1984.

FALLING ROCK

California, Yosemite Valley

On September 18, 1983, Robert Muhnicki (28) was leading the tenth pitch on the Northwest Face of Half Dome when a large rock flake he was on broke away. He fell onto his climbing partner, Toivo Kodas. The rock fell onto Muhnicki’s foot, breaking some small bones.

The climbers descended on their own, and the victim was flown by helicopter to Yosemite Medical Clinic. (Source: Dan Dellinger, Ranger, Yosemite National Park)

Editor’s Note: According to Ranger Gary Colliver, with this ledge now gone, the bolt ladder cannot be reached until several new bolts are þlaced.