Stewart Phillip Porter of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died after falling at Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
According to the National Park Service, Porter, 21, was seriously injured when he fell while rappelling down the second pitch of El Cracco Diablo.
Devils Tower law enforcement was alerted to the man's fall just before 8 p.m., and responding officers found the man and his climbing partner within an hour, NPS said.
The partner was stranded on the tower wall and was rescued by climbing guides from Devil's Tower Lodge and Buck Wild.
Mr Porter was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
His death was the seventh fatal climbing accident in Devil's Tower's more than 100-year climbing history.
“Although fatal climbing accidents at Devil's Tower are rare, they are still inherently dangerous,” NPS said in a news release.
NPS offers the following safety tips:
Monitor weather conditions to avoid storms and extreme heat. Be careful of animals and stinging insects. Recommended equipment varies by route, so wear rock climbing gear and consult multiple sources for route information. Inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary. Avoid hitting loose rocks that can fall onto climbers below. Know the location. Please check your rappelling route before starting. Start rappelling past the tip of the pillar to avoid the rope getting caught in the crack. Wear a climbing helmet to prevent injury from falling rocks.
According to the NPS, most climbing accidents and fatalities at Devil's Tower occur during rappelling.
