A tragic incident at Devils Tower National Monument claimed the life of 21-year-old climber Stewart Phillip Porter from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Porter sustained fatal injuries after a fall while rappelling down the second pitch of the El Cracko route on Sunday evening, authorities confirmed.
This marks only the seventh recorded climbing death in the over 100-year history of the iconic Wyoming rock formation.
The accident occurred shortly before 8 p.m., prompting a rapid response from Devils Tower Law Enforcement.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), Porter’s climbing partner was left stranded on the rock face but was later rescued with the assistance of local climbing guides from Devils Tower Lodge and Buck Wild Climbing Guides.
Despite being an infrequent occurrence, the NPS highlighted that climbing Devils Tower remains a dangerous activity.
They urged climbers to remain vigilant, reminding the public of essential safety precautions.
“Climbers should always check weather conditions before starting a climb and remain aware of their surroundings, including potential wildlife encounters,” officials advised.
They also stressed the importance of carefully inspecting and backing up anchors, as the rappel phase is often the most dangerous part of the climb.
The NPS further emphasized the need to familiarize oneself with the chosen route, understand the necessary gear, and ensure that rappels are initiated properly to avoid potential hazards, such as ropes jamming in cracks or dislodging loose rocks onto other climbers below.
Devils Tower officials expressed their appreciation to the Devils Tower Lodge, Buck Wild Climbing Guides, Hulett EMS, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, and monument staff who played a crucial role in the search and recovery operation.
They extended their condolences to Porter’s family and friends during this difficult time.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks involved in rock climbing, even at well-known sites like Devils Tower. The national monument
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