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Climber Dies in Squamish and Rescuers Kept Busy

A 33-year-old man is the second climber to die in Squamish this summer

Squamish RCMP say a 33-year-old man has died from his injuries after a fall from The Chief. According to reports, the climber was on Parallel Passages on the pitch below Astro Ledge when he fell and sustained serious injuries.

Squamish Search and Rescue, who’ve been extremely busy this long weekend, were called out to assist. Eight rescuers were long-lined into Astro Ledge where they rappelled in to help the injured climber. The injured climber was then long-lined out to paramedics waiting below.

All efforts were made to save the climber, but he succumbed to his injuries. “After a difficult and highly technical extraction the man, a 33-year-old Squamish resident, went into medical distress and died a short time later,” said a statement from Sgt. Sascha Banks.

He is second climber to die on the Chief in the last six weeks, and the third call from climbers in distress within the past few days. “The climbing community in Squamish is very close and I know it will be a hard loss for everyone. Our thoughts go out to not only the man’s friends and family but to the Squamish SAR team who worked tirelessly to help him.”

Nearly 25 rescue volunteers were involved, including some local climbers who helped to get the man to a ledge where rope-rescue SAR members could long-line in.

Thanks to the hard working search and rescue workers and volunteers who work to keep us safe. Be careful out there this season.

The Chief from downtown Squamish

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