Climber Dies After Fall in Colorado
The incident took place this past weekend, but exact details of what went wrong are not yet known
A 67-year-old man was climbing Independence Monument in Colorado when he fell over 150 metres. Exact details of the incident aren’t known.
At approximately 11:50 a.m. on Sat., April 30, Colorado National Monument rangers were notified of a climber who fell. Colorado National Monument rangers, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, and Lower Valley Fire District immediately responded.
Rescue crews hiked several kilometres and climbed to reach the injured climber who later succumbed to his injuries. Colorado National Monument rangers are investigating the death.
Independence Monument is composed of soft sandstone and has several classic climbs up to six pitches, such Otto’s Route 5.8 and Sundial Dihedral 5.11 C1. All routes require double ropes to rappel.
The Mesa County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, as well as release the identity of the deceased once next of kin is notified. Our condolences go to the climber’s family and friends.
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