21-year-old rock climber dies in tragic fall from Devils Tower in US

In a tragic incident, a 21-year-old

rock climber

died after falling from

Devils Tower

National Monument in

Wyoming

.
Stewart Phillip Porter

from Eau Claire, Wisconsin fell shortly before 8 pm when he was rappelling down the second pitch of El Cracko, a well-known climbing route on the 870-foot tower.
Authorities were notified about the incident, and by 8:40 pm, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene due to “major injuries.”
“Porter’s partner was stranded and later rescued from the wall of the Tower, with help from Devils Tower Lodge Climbing Guides and Buck Wild Climbing Guides,” according to National Park service.

While the exact circumstances of Porter’s fall remain unclear, park officials said that most climbing accidents and fatalities at Devils Tower occur during the descent.
Over the 100 plus year climbing history at the Tower, there have only been seven climbing deaths, according to the National Park Service.
The monument attracts approximately 5,000 to 6,000 climbers each year, attracted by its stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The National Park Service used the opportunity to remind the public about important safety precautions to follow while climbing.
“The majority of climbing accidents and deaths on the Tower occur during the rappel. The National Park Service does not maintain anchors - inspect all anchors and back them up if necessary. Ensure you know the location of your rappel route before you begin,” officials said.
“Start rappels over the nose of columns to prevent ropes from jamming in cracks. Avoid knocking loose rock onto climbers below. Many rappels require two ropes; know the distance of your planned rappel before beginning,” they added.