Accident at Devils Head 6/18
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I was climbing at the training grounds yesterday with my group when we heard the gut wrenching sounds of rope whizzing through gear followed by a loud thud. It was over at Chickenhead ranch. It sounded like rockfall. Moments later we heard someone shout "Oh my god call 911!" We had service over at the training grounds so we called it in and they said they were already on it. I quickly cleaned my route and packed my gear and sprinted to the trailhead. We heard ambulances already coming in from Castle Rock. Sheriff was at the trailhead talking with 2 members of their party. I helped haul some med gear and ropes and whatnot up to CHickenhead. Saw the guy laying on the belay ledge. No helmet. I believe he was still tied in and appeared like his belayer was still on belay. Trying to find out if he's ok. I know they got him out to the chopper but was wondering if anyone knew his status. Also wondering what the error was as everyone I asked in his party said they simply "didn't know what happened" and that he was an experienced climber. I know they were on a multipitch sport climb most likely "Finger licking good" based on where he fell. They said he had reached the anchors and then something happened where he fell 100ft to the ledge below. Hope this guy is alive and not paralyzed. Also respect to Douglas county sheriff and Doug co SAR for quick response time and a technical rescue off a multipitch. Everyone stay safe out there! |
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I was there with Chris during the incident. Just want to give him props for being a good example of how the climbing community takes care of each other. Hoping for the best in regards to the fallen climber.. |
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The last update I got about the incident was that the climber was "doing ok" in the hospital, but there is still some concern about brain trauma. I'll let someone who's seen him since he got life flighted get the details out. |
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Any update on the climbers condition? Hope he is out of the woods and doing ok. |
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I am the climbers father. First off, I want to thank everyone who acted quickly, the people who called 911, the EMT who was with the climbing group who stabalized my son, and the rescue workers who got him down and to the ccu. He sustained a TBI, but is progressing remarkably well. He is able to move all his limbs on command and is speaking and answering questions. The road to recovery is going to be long, but he is alive and will climb again. Please be safe out there. Helmets don't work if you leave them at home. |
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Stephen wrote: Glad to here your son is progressing well Stephen. Please give him the community's best wishes. Cheers. |
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I was part of Bryce's climbing group the day of the fall and as a group we have started a gofundme page to try and help raising some money for the medical bills and long recovery process. Here is the link for anyone interested in donating. https://www.gofundme.com/a6qzh6-bryces-medical-fund Thank you so much to everyone that was there and helped that day and to the climbing community for all the caring support! Emily |