FALL ON SNOW, FAULTY USE OF CRAMPONS

Washington, North Cascades National Park, Mount Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys Route

On September 16, John Nedila (50) slipped on a 50-degree snow slope on the Fisher Chimneys route on Mount Shuksan. He slid about 125 feet to rocks below, suffering injuries to his face, torso, and extremities. He was wearing crampons at the time.

Two passersby rendered aid. Nedila was semiconscious at first and complained of an ache in his side. But he lost both consciousness and pulse within 15 minutes. CPR was administered for 20 minutes without effect.

Rangers were unable to recover the body until the next day. (Source: Alan Budahl, Outdoor Network)