The National Park Service has issued a press release regarding the recent fatal rock climber accident at Devils Tower, Wyoming. The full press release is posted below. More information on the accident and injury can be found on the Mountain Project Forum. According to Devils Tower National Monument, seven people have died while climbing at the monument since it opened more than 100 years ago. Press Release:
Shortly before 8:00 PM on September 22, 2024, Devils Tower Police received a call of a rock climber who had fallen. Responding officers found the injured man and his climbing partner at approximately 8:40 PM. Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old man from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, sustained serious injuries after falling while rappelling down the second pitch of El Craco Diablo. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Hewlett EMS paramedics.
[Porter had entered the information for his ascent of El Cracko Diablo onto his Mountain Project page after climbing it, saying: “Lead. With cal, lead second. After soler, rapped this with a 66m in three raps, then climbed this to the top. Was saving my #2 and topped out with it still on my harness. Cal’s first trad lead in >1 year.”]
Porter's partner was left behind and was later rescued from the tower wall with the help of Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buckwild Climbing Guides. In the 100+ year history of climbing at Devils Tower, only seven people have died while climbing. Although fatalities during climbs at Devils Tower are rare, it is still inherently dangerous.
Climbers are advised to follow these safety tips:
– Check the local weather forecast before your climb and observe changing weather conditions. Summer days can be hot and temperatures on the Tower Rock can exceed 100°F. Storms can develop quickly in the Black Hills. Storms can bring lightning, rain, hail, slippery surfaces, and hypothermia.
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– Park in the gravel lot below the Visitor Center parking lot, which provides shade for cars parked all day and offers short-term visitors space to park in the upper paved lot.
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– Keep an eye out for animals (biting insects, birds, rodents, and reptiles are all inhabitants of the tower). Temporary route closures due to peregrine falcon nesting occur in the spring to protect nesting grassland falcons and peregrine falcons. Routes will reopen once nesting activity is no longer observed or the falcons have fledged. Check for route closures when registering at the climbing kiosk or visit our current climbing closures page.
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– Routes are generally long and have a constant gradient. Specialized rock climbing equipment is required to safely ascend Devils Tower National Monument. Recommended equipment varies between guidebooks, so consult multiple sources for information about routes.
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– Most climbing accidents and fatalities on towers occur while rappelling. The National Park Service does not maintain anchors. Inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary. Before starting, locate your rappel route. Begin rappelling from the top of the post to prevent the rope from getting caught in a crack. Avoid loose rocks hitting climbers below. Many rappels require two ropes. Before starting, know the distance of your planned rappel.
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– Rockfalls are frequent so wearing a climbing helmet is highly recommended. Any serious danger should be reported to a ranger at the climbing office or visitor centre.
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– If an emergency occurs, remain calm and call 911 or yell towards Tower Trail. Assistance from local resources and monument staff may be available, but rescue is not guaranteed.
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Devils Tower would like to thank Devils Tower Lodge, Buckwild Climbing Guides, Hewlett EMS, Crook County Sheriff's Office and monument staff who assisted in the search and rescue efforts and extend their condolences to the family.
