Free soloing deaths. Jul 12, 2023 · The 26-year-old Colorado woman who plunged to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park was identified by grieving friends as an avid climber and “mountain person. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder woman died Sunday after she fell 500 feet during a free-solo climb on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, park officials said. The 31-year-old California native was descending a Jul 2, 2019 · Free soloing 5. Apr 2, 2025 · King County resident Earl Prunty died on March 17 doing what he loved most: climbing Nooksack Falls, according to the 68-year-old’s family. Witnesses reported seeing a large block fall during the accident. Free soloing Apr 29, 2021 · On April 11, 2021, 31-year-old climber Josh Ourada fell approximately 150 to 200 feet while free soloing Nutcracker, on the Manure Pile Buttress, Yosemite. The rhetoric was similar and this was before the film Free Solo and before a string of soloing accidents and deaths. I'm basically doing my report on free-soloing. Gonna hit on some of the free-soloing greats like Honnold and Potter. May 22, 2024 · Martin Feistl of Austria fell to his death on Saturday while free soloing the south face of the Scharnitzspitze, in the Austrian Tyrol. The climber doesn't use any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment during their ascent. A group of nearby climbers witnessed the accident and rushed to help. Free solo climbers rely solely on their own strength, skill, and endurance to reach the summit. Tributes to Gobright, who once held the coveted speed record on the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite, have come in from across the climbing world. 9—when he fell. Despite this distinction, I’ll continue using the term “scrambling” in keeping with local vernacular. Jun 20, 2023 · His death-defying behavior was complemented by a fun-loving temperament. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. May 24, 2019 · 3 There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed Credit: Barcroft Media What is free solo climbing? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. If soloing truly is becoming more commonplace in the sport, at what point does it affect potential access to crags for the general climbing community after accidents related to soloing uptick? Nov 29, 2019 · “The risk in free soloing is always to fall off and fall to your death,” the renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold told The New York Times in 2018. Given that it's severe injuries as well as deaths, the numbers per year will vary with reporting too. ” Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. That was put in sharp focus this week by the news that world Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. 8: the climber has been identified as Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno]. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Sep 14, 2021 · The documentary 'The Alpinist' explores the death of mountain climber Marc-André LeClerc, whose girlfriend Brette Harrington has returned to the sport. Oct 20, 2022 · As word of Bachar’s death spread, other e-mails arrived, all of them urging me to take a stand against free-soloing. The free solo accidents number might seem pretty high, but remember you only have once chance of getting this right. Many climbing accidents actually happen on the rappel. One of the most dangerous sports in the world, free climbing accidents lead to around 30 deaths every year, a large amount considering the number of people that attempt these ascents. Over the last six years the 31-year-old Lombard, Illinois, resident spent more time climbing without a rope than with one. To see it visually, and not just think about the consequences, is a good way of reminding wanting-to Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder, Colo. A spotter may catch your head, but that’s about it. Free solo climbing has been a huge subject of discussion, especially since big names like Alex Honnold conquered unimaginable heights without any ropes or safety equipment. Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed 'Free Solo' Climber Brad Gobright Dies in Fall While Descending Cliff in Mexico Brad Gobright, 31, fell while attempting to descend the side of a cliff face in El Portero Chico, Mexico On the other hand, I think free soloing is pretty stupid. David Robert’s climbing partner Gabe died in 1961 while climbing unroped on the First Flatiron. Wish this dude had bailed whenever he lost his calm. euronews. Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old died after falling during a free-solo climb from Blitzen Ridge in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the park service said. When he went out soloing, for example, he kept mini Snickers in his puppy-dog-shaped chalk bag. Climber: Dylan TubaroFilmed by: Andrew Serack Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. The dangers of soloing make Sep 18, 2023 · Both were free-soloing related accidents. Free Soloing- Climbing without ropes- this is kind of a no-brainer (you won’t have a brain if you fall while free-soloing). The Oscar-winning rock Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. com Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling approximately 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge in the state’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, the park said. I recently saw an account on insta where someone was posting videos of themselves soloing and their technique was simply atrocious. The second would be to accept that the edge of risk is a blurred line and look at mitigating risk where possible but also not using black and white safety statements. What free solo Feb 10, 2025 · Free Soloing Deaths - page 4 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. [2] He died in a fall from Shortoff Mountain in Burke County, North Carolina, in 2019. com 485 Sort by: Feb 25, 2019 · While we may see a rise in overall deaths, to climb without ropes or gear is still a niche of a niche. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated global Jul 14, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman who was killed Sunday while free-solo climbing a ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park has been by identified by the Larimer County coroner as Bailee Sep 26, 2017 · In this paper, we use qualitative and quantitative research, along with reference to current philosophical literature to consider the question of whether the sport of free-soloing is inherently imm Free Soloing Deaths - page 2 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Use code ‘DYNO’ for 15% off Tee’s, Pants & Apparel from Rúngne! ︎ https://rungne. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold daring to scale insane heights. Nov 29, 2019 · Rock climbers across the world have paid tribute to Brad Gobright after the renowned American free solo climber fell to his death on Wednesday. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman fell to her death during a free-solo climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, according to the National Park Service. No description has been added to this video. At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above photo). ”) According to Honnold, Synnot writes, “no free soloist has ever fallen while pushing his limits. But Honnold like to risk his life Final Thoughts Free climbing and free soloing may have deceptively similar names, but they are very different forms of rock climbing. ” Oct 22, 2018 · For most of the documentary, the filmmakers do an admirable job of scrutinizing Honnold's plan, which is why it's so jarring when they stop. Aug 11, 2022 · Free soloing is a type of free climbing This may get confusing but technically, free soloing is a type of free climbing. Feb 19, 2023 · Zach Milligan, a prolific free solo climber who was one of the first to descend the national park’s Half Dome on skis, died after a fall in Canada. Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed free solo climber Brad Gobright died Wednesday while rapelling in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, a popular rock climbing destination in northern Mexico. A news release from the agency detailed the woman’s fatal Free solo climbing is, in its simplest form, rock climbing stripped down to its raw essentials: just the climber, their climbing shoes, chalk and the rock. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. , woman was killed Sunday in a 500-foot fall in Rocky Mountain National Park. While the risks are evident, the reasons why climbers choose to free solo are multifaceted and deeply personal. I think this is necessary viewing for all climbers. The actual number could be higher, or lower. One could argue that free soloing is even the purest form of free climbing as there can be absolutely no way to aid yourself to the top. Dec 7, 2022 · Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno, 22, had, according to eye-witness accounts, been free soloing Leonids—a three-pitch 5. Free Soloing Deaths - page 6 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. It’s supposedly a great way to reach nirvana though (or heaven/hell if you fall). What is Free Soloing? The most famous free soloist is arguably Alex Honnold and he's happily retired from free soloing with a family now. The dangers associated with free solo climbing are real and significant, as it has been known to cause serious injury and even death. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. She was an experienced climber on a beginner’s climbing course, but because she was free *solo climbing, there was always the potential for death. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on The riskiest sport in the world Free climbing is defined as “rock climbing without the assistance of devices such as pegs placed in the rock, large ropes or belays”. (Synnott calls this Honnold’s “homegrown statistic. Apr 22, 2025 · On March 17, 68-year-old Earl Prunty, fell to his death while free soloing beside Washington’s Nooksack Falls, an 88-foot waterfall that plunges over a volcanic cliffside in two segments. com 👈🏼Check out ⌲ @alexhonnold Check out the gym ⌲ https://touchstoneclimbing. . 9 on the Wedge at El Cajon Mountain. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. What Is Free Solo Climbing? Alternatively, watch this video with Alex Honnold (he does a lot of free solo) and Magnus Midtbø (he does his first free solo ever) - it is quite entertaining although butt-clenching. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. It’s pure freedom, but with that freedom comes extreme danger. com/2018/06/03/legendary-el-capitan-cla Super unfortunate to see an increase in free solo deaths. Dec 7, 2022 · A rock climber was free-soloing on El Cajon Mountain in San Diego on Sunday when he fell to his death. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 4 ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. May 15, 2019 · The Flatirons, with their easy access above an urban area and deceptively “low-angle” terrain on the east faces, tend to be a frequent site of accidents, deaths included. info/DYNO0:00 Alex Honnold0:30 Alex Honnold's Childhood1:41 Alex Honnold's 3 days ago · Free Soloing Deaths - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. 2. Of these deaths, 25% are due to rappelling accidents and 30% are due to solo climbing accidents. Jul 2, 2019 · ‘He realized the risks’: Lombard man who found peace in ‘free soloing’ dies after falling more than 80 feet from North Carolina mountain Free Soloing Deaths - page 8 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Free Soloing Deaths - page 3 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Feb 7, 2024 · I wonder if the rise in free solo accidents correlate with other stats, like number of outdoor climbers, or number of bouldering or trad accidents. While free climbing is the norm today (taking over from aid climbing due to the demand for more challenging and physically demanding climbing experiences), only a handful of people even consider trying free soloing. Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Next week, that climber died from a free solo fall. …READ MORE : http://www. Paul Preuss (October 3, 1913, Mandlkogel, Austria): Died after falling from a height of over 300 meters (984 ft) while free solo climbing the northern ridge of Mandlkogel. more May 24, 2019 · How many people have died doing free solo climbs? There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed. Free soloing ice is not usually the time to try and pull off completely unnecessary and avoidable tool swaps, especially just for some GoPro footage that no one but your mom and granny will care about unless things go horribly wrong. Edit: just to clarify, the article describes this as a beginners course, but there seems to be a consensus that it is much more difficult than that. ” Jul 5, 2019 · This is the second free soloing death that has occurred this year as the result of unstable rock. Jul 11, 2023 · On Sunday, July 9, a Boulder, Colorado, woman died after falling 500 feet while free soloing Blitzen Ridge, a classic 5. That is followed by motor vehicle crashes , falls and slips , natural causes , and suicide . 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. “I mean, that’s pretty straightforward. Abseiling accidents are believed to be the most Free soloing is less common amongst female rock climbers, however, as well as Catherine Destivelle, the following female climbers are historically notable free solo practitioners: Steph Davis and Brette Harrington, both of whom have free soloed single-pitch and big wall routes. 12 was common for Austin Howell. See full list on climbgearhub. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. Yeah he’s a fuckin idiot. He has made a name for himself as the world’s foremost free-solo climber, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a chalk bag and a pair of TC Pros. Free Soloing Deaths - page 5 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Apr 10, 2025 · Here, “scrambling” often refers to ropeless ascents of Class 5 routes, which, by definition, is free soloing. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Drowning is the leading cause of death at national parks and national recreation areas. May 15, 2025 · Free solo climbing deaths are a grim reality in the climbing community. Despite these Yosemite's trademark peak proves too much for American pair who fall to their deaths. Nov 29, 2019 · If you’ve seen this year’s Oscar-winning doc Free Solo, you’ll appreciate the life-and-death gamble that climbing can be. Any others? Most guys doing solo do it on low graded like 5-6 if you can climb 8 which is closish to a ladder to them so no death unless they fuck up real bad. Because free soloists use their hands and feet to make it to the top. Search and rescue workers recovered Prunty’s body from the base of the south side of the falls, just above Wells Creek. The woman’s climbing partner, who was uninjured and called for help on his cellphone, was hoisted off the ridge by a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter Sunday night. Check out my clothing brand 👉🏼 https://rungne. We see too much of Alex Honnold and company, free soloing hard routes and being "zen"; it's good to remind ourselves that we are not these people. Feb 24, 2023 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous and extreme form of rock climbing in which the climber ascends without any rope, harnesses, or other protective gear. One would be to condemn free soloing but this should also entail us condemning some approach scrambles. Even if we were as strong as them, it's important to be very aware of what the consequences are. The formations attract thousands of extreme hikers and novice climbers every year. Gabe had tried to free a stuck rope and On December 4, Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno (22) fell to his death while free soloing Leonids, a three-pitch 5. ” Synnott quotes Honnold: “It doesn’t seem to be the way that people die. Mar 1, 2019 · ‘Free Solo’: El Capitan climber Alex Honnold on risks, love and thoughts of death Stunning Academy Award-winning documentary set to make its television debut Nov 16, 2023 · The Breakdown Many free soloist have died trying, so why do it? Free soloing, the act of climbing without the use of ropes or safety gear, is one of the most daring and controversial forms of rock climbing. The identity of the 22-year-old has not been released [update Dec. Climbers aim to conquer some of the most Dean combined his pursuits to conceive the idea of FreeBASE - free solo climbing up tall, overhanging walls, with a BASE jumping parachute on his back for a marginal degree of safety should he fall. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a Free-solo climber dies following 500-foot-fall at Rocky Mountain National Park denvergazette. One of his mentors is too. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. Mar 30, 2024 · Annually there are around 30 rock climbing-related deaths per year. Nov 22, 2021 · Has anyone died trying to free solo El Capitan? While Mr Jacobson crashed through a bush, which cushioned his fall, before striking a ledge, Gobright fell to his death. com/pacifiMusic and Soun Jun 10, 2018 · The deaths of Wells and Klein marked the fourth multiple death on El Capitan since 1978, when three climbers fell more than 1,000 feet after their anchor broke. [1][3] Sad and completely avoidable death. 3. Nov 29, 2019 · Gobright was best known for free soloing, or climbing without any safety gear, but at the time the two were abseiling, a technique using ropes. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman died after falling about 500 feet while free solo climbing at the Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday, park officials said. Oct 14, 2019 · Has Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan sparked more daredevils? At least one free soloist has fallen to his death since the film was released. He was 27 years old. Beyond his many climbing achievements, he was known for his social media following and public struggles with mental health problems. Apr 29, 2019 · One thing I had to share from Synnott’s book was how Honnold views the risk of death from free soloing. I was wondering if anybody knew of a pretty comprehensive list of free-soloists that have passed away in an accident? I've seen the free solo climbing wikipedia article that has a list of accidents. This time, she ascended with the assistance of her boyfriend Adrian Ballinger, a renowned Mount Everest guide, and Alex Honnold, famous for his unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan. [5][6] Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. I showed it to my boyfriend and commented, I don’t think this climber will live long. On Saturday, May 18, 48-year-old Bob Dergay of Boulder, Colorado, fell an estimated 100 feet while free-soloing the popular Bastille Crack, a five-pitch 5. 7 on the Bastille formation in Eldorado Canyon. Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. Climbing magazine caught up with Ourada in a phone call to find out more details about the accident and to learn how his recovery is going. “Climbing, to me, has Austin Howell (14 September 1987 - 30 June 2019) [1] was an American climber and noted free soloist. Nov 22, 2022 · In the last several weeks, two free-solo climbing deaths were reported that were particularly unnerving, in large part because of what climbing media focused on before and after these fatalities. A climber loses his grip on a difficult E6 rock face. People are free to do stupid things if they want, but anyone who's doing it should be very conscious of the effect their potential deaths could have on others. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. Here are 5 more Dec 13, 2018 · Free solo climber Alex Honnold prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling Yosemite's 3,200-foot El Capitan without a rope. Free solo climbing gives a thrill like nothing else. Livingston was a big part of the California climbing community and the Alpenglow Expeditions guide team. Learn about the risks, consequences, and famous cases of fatal free solo accidents, including the importance of safety protocols, risk assessment, and climbing regulations, to understand why experienced climbers like Alex Honnold approach this extreme sport with caution and respect. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. hfhlg ysrmop uqsn qfv qwckp dgvughnli qxhjmfm fzpjr mjzuwc aammoie