Prescott Accident 1/18

out of respect i put it in its own forum.

Yes this is a sad sorry. It is just a reminder that you do not have to be in the mountains, to have very real consequence for your actions. My heart goes out to the family and friends.

Very sad to hear. The article that is linked provides only the very vague description that he fell 15' into a ravine. Does anyone know if he fell while climbing (and maybe fell from wherever he was on the wall to the bottom of a ravine that was 15' below the base of the wall thus making it a longer than 15' depending on how high he was on the wall) or did he fall while scrambling during the approach or descent? Truly sad to hear that a 15' fall lead to someones death.

Any info on what route or formation at the Dells? Condolences to Sean's family. Very sad.

I cleared this up on SuperTopo as well

The climber was compentent, expirence and knew what he was doing. He was leading on route and took a fatal lead fall on to a ledge. He didnt fall into a ravine. Rescuers moved the victim from the ledge and carried the stretcher through the Ravine. Everyone did the best they could at the scene.

It is a tragedy and best wished to the family and friends who are grieving.

Is there any chance of finding out what route he was on? Was it a head-first fall?

If there is anything to learn from this tragedy I'd love to hear more details.

We Were out today and stumbled on what appeared to be the site of the accident. Don't know the name but it is the furthest right set of anchors on the south facing aspect of the southern end. It is a fairly grisly scene, I would not recommend climbing there again until there has been some really good rain.

On a separate note I found some gear not on this climb but I thought maybe it had been left in haste when the accident occurred. contact me if you are missing some gear I will gladly return it to its rightful owner.

Yes the route is right around the corner of the co-op area.

Hi The Prescott Fire Department is missing some gear. Please contact Kevin Keith at Prescott Fire. 928-777-1700 or by e-mail kevininprescott@yahoo.com Thanks.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family.

Does anyone know the name of this route? And is there an R or X rating?

The route is called "Twist Cracks" up to the first pitch anchor. Unknown if the second pitch was followed. The upper pitch in the old Dennison guide is different than the second pitch description in R&I # 81. Either way the route is tricky.

Hey Kevin, I was soloing around today. Came across the spot. Found a cam nearby. Yours?

Not mine. I would guess it was one of the climbers on scene. Alot of gear being handed off during the rescue. E-mail me kevininprescott@yahoo.com and I will give you a number to get in touch with the other climbers on scene. Thanks

The trade off is done.