Climber Dies on Grand Teton Route
A man from Idaho fell while climbing with partners on the Owen-Spalding, the mountain's most popular climb
Grand Teton National Park has announced that a climber died after falling while climbing the Grand Teton. Brayden DuRee, 40, of Idaho, was climbing the Owen-Spalding when he fell around 20 metres down the section known as the Owen Chimney.
By the time a search and rescue team arrived, DuRee had died from his injuries. He had been roped up and had a helmet on. DuRee’s climbing partners were flown to Jenny Lake in Lupine Meadows before his body was recovered.
It’s unclear why Duree fell, but the Teton Range had more snow than usual last winter, and much of that snow accumulated in areas along popular routes. There’s still snow up high on the Owen-Spalding, which leads to overnight freeze-thaw cycles that leaves layers of verglass on pitches below the snow.
Several climbers have died on the Grand Teton over the decades. In 2016, Exum Mountain Guide Gary Falk died descending Grand Teton. And In 2010, a lightning strike on the Owen-Spalding killed one person and injured 16 others. “Grand Teton National Park employees extend their condolences to Braydan DuRee’s family and friends,” a press release from the Park said.
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